Rumors have been swirling about the job security of New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. It has been reported that owner Robert Kraft is set to move on from the six-time Super Bowl champion this offseason, which has elicited several different reactions around the football world.
Some people believe that it is time for a change in New England, where they are going to miss the playoffs for the third time in four seasons since Tom Brady departed. Others believe Belichick shouldn’t be let go, as it is a personnel issue on the roster, not a coaching problem.
Alas, personnel issues also fall on Belichick’s shoulders as he is the team’s general manager. All good things must come to an end eventually, and it could be time for the Patriots and Belichick to part ways.
NFL News & Rumors: Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft, Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots Updates
If that is the route the franchise opts to take, finding a replacement for him won’t be easy. Many people believe Jared Mayo, a former Patriot linebacker and current inside linebackers coach for the team, could be the heir apparent.
Another name to keep an eye on, should the Patriots look outside the organization, is Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator, Brian Flores. Flores got his coaching start in New England on Belichick’s staff and had success with the Miami Dolphins before being fired in 2021. Those credentials make him an ideal head coach target for New England in the opinion of Adam Patrick of The Viking Age.
“Flores is someone who has both head coaching experience and experience as a member of the Patriots. This is something that most of the other candidates for the potential job opening won’t be able to offer. If New England finally decides to end the legendary tenure of Belichick in 2024, the team hiring Flores as his replacement makes a lot of sense,” Patrick wrote.
NFL News & Rumors: Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft, Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots Updates
Flores has put himself squarely in the mix for a head coaching job this cycle with his performance as defensive coordinator with the Vikings. They have turned things around in a major way, which is a big reason they are alive for a playoff spot despite star wide receiver Justin Jefferson missing so much time and starting quarterback Kirk Cousins being sidelined for the remainder of the season.
His departure from Miami and subsequent lawsuit against the league could turn some teams off searching for a head coach. But, he has proven that he is certainly qualified for the job should the opportunity present itself. A defensive-minded coach with ties to the organization, Flores could be a home run hire for the Patriots as a Belichick replacement.
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