The NFL is a cutthroat business.
On Thursday, as Bill Belichick and the Patriots parted ways after 24 years, it was revealed that some members of the organization learned of the bombshell as well as others.
“Members of the Patriots front office learned of today's separation from Bill Belichick via social media.” Doug Kaid of the Boston Herald tweeted: In the aftermath of the news.
“The long-tenured members of the organization are shocked by today's decision. There is a sense of denial that something like this would actually happen.”
Hours later, Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft read prepared statements at a news conference.
“For me, today is a day of gratitude and celebration,” Belichick said. “We had a vision to build a winning team here, to build a championship football team. It exceeds the amount of success we could have achieved together.”
He thanked the Kraft family, the Patriots fan base and the more than 1,000 players who were part of the team during his six-time Super Bowl-winning tenure.
“I will always be a patriot,” Belichick added. “I look forward to being back here, but for now I am going to move on. I am always very grateful for everything you have done for me.”
Jerrod Mayo, the former Patriots linebackers coach, appears to be the likely successor to Belichick.
Belichick reportedly intends to continue coaching.
The Falcons have been floated as a possible destination, with ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter saying the team that hires him may actually still have a head coach under contract and are currently in the playoffs. He also warned that he would not rule out the possibility of a team.
