Bill Belichick didn't reveal much.
The legendary Patriots coach remained tight-lipped when discussing his vague future with the team during Monday morning's end-of-season press conference, but he did have one important answer.
He was asked directly whether he was willing to give up control over personnel decisions to do so.
“I agree with the collective decision we made as an organization to help our football team,” Belichick said. “I have multiple roles in it and I have many people helping me fulfill my responsibilities. Someone has to have the final say. I have it. , I rely on the help of many others. Whatever process it is, I am only part of it.”
Rumors about Belichick's future swirled all season, as the Patriots finished 4-13 and missed the playoffs for the third time in four seasons.
Especially since they lost to the Jets on Sunday for the first time since 2015 to end their season.
“I'm under contract,” Belichick said. “I'm going to do what I always do, which is play hard every day to help the team in any way I can. That's what I'm going to continue to do. Today the players It was a wrap-up day with them, so we're planning to have a meeting with them and then go from there.
“It's too early to make any decisions or direction for next year.”
Multiple reports during the season suggested that owner Robert Kraft likely wants to move on from his longtime coach this offseason, potentially leading to an awkward or messy split. was.
Other reports had suggested that Kraft and Belichick did not meet during the season because their futures were in jeopardy, but Belichick clarified on Monday that they did indeed meet during the season and would meet again soon.
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He was asked directly if he wanted to stay with the Patriots and help get the team back on the right track.
“I'm going to do everything I can every day to help the football team,” Belichick said. “That's what I've always done. In my career, that's never changed. I learned that lesson from my dad growing up. You work for the team you work for and you work for them. I'll do my best. Until someone tells me otherwise, that won't change.”
