Could the New England Patriots really move on from head coach Bill Belichick?

It seems unthinkable, as Belichick has been at the helm for the Patriots since 2000 and has led them to six Super Bowl wins, nine Super Bowl appearances and 17 AFC East division titles (including 11 straight between 2009 and 2019).

However, New England is just 2-5 heading into Week 8, representing the club’s worst start since 1995. Plus, ever since Tom Brady left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March 2019, the Pats have made the playoffs just once and appear to be well on their way to missing the postseason for the third time in four years.

As a result, some are wondering if the Patriots could part ways with Belichick this offseason.

In the event that New England does decide to go in a different direction, NFL insider Matt Lombardo has rattled off five names of potential replacements. Two of the five names are in house: linebackers coach Jerod Mayo and assistant coach Joe Judge. The other three are Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell.

It’s also important to note that Belichick is the Patriots’ general manager in addition to being the head coach, so New England would also have to search for a new front-office executive if it cans Belichick.

The whole thing seems unimaginable, but when you really think about it, it may be a legitimate possibility. Belichick has done a very poor job of roster construction over the last several years, and he may very well just be losing his touch as a head coach.

Bill Belichick has undoubtedly had an all-time great run, but it may be coming to an end if things don’t turn around quickly.

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