Bill Belichick leaves Patriots after 24 seasons and six titles
Bill Belichick will retire as coach of the New England Patriots after 24 incredible seasons.
"We're going to keep moving forward," he said Thursday, but also looked back fondly on the NFL's unprecedented winning streak, which included six Super Bowl championships.
Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft have been meeting regularly for much of this week to discuss how both sides want to proceed.
People familiar with the talks say there were no conflicts or disagreements, and that ultimately productive discussions led to an amicable decision that both sides felt comfortable with and relaxed about.
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We asked NFL executives • Pats timeline: 6 From winning a title to Belichick leaving • What went wrong: Insider breakup between Kraft and Belichick • Social media reaction: LeBron, ex-Pats , more • NFL Coaching Changes: Latest News, Recruits In Thursday's press conference, Kraft called Belichick the greatest manager of all time and worthy of a first-ballot Hall of Fame induction.
"This is a step that we mutually agreed upon and is necessary at this time," Craft said.
``In my opinion, what Bill accomplished will never be repeated.
'' Belichick, who said he will ``always be a patriot,'' credits Craft and his family for the opportunity and support.
He expressed his gratitude and said: "Building a championship soccer team that exceeded my wildest dreams and expectations.
" I'm so proud of that.
I will always have these wonderful memories with me for the rest of my life.
Belichick, who had one year left on his contract, was allowed to leave without the Patriots demanding compensation.
He hopes to continue coaching and is expected to attract interest from at least some other NFL teams with head coaching vacancies, possibly including the Atlanta Falcons, league officials said.
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"It's going to be hard to see him on the sideline wearing a cutoff hoodie, but I always wish him continued success, except against our beloved Patriots," Kraft said.
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