After 24 years together, Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots have mutually decided to part ways. The legendary American football coach addressed the media on Jan. 11, 2024, noting it was a “day of gratitude and celebration” for him (via NFL).
Bill Belichick said he would always be a Patriot, exclaiming, “It’s an amazing opportunity, and I received tremendous support. We had a vision of building a winner, building a championship football team here.” The tough decision comes soon after another poor season for the Patriots.
Belichick led the New England Patriots to winning six Super Bowls. Plus, they appeared in nine Super Bowls in his 24 years as their head coach. Patriots won 17 AFC East titles under his leadership, generating 296 wins, including playoffs.
Bill Belichick is regarded as one of the best head coaches ever, having set several records during his time as the Patriots head coach. Franchise owner Robert Kraft also noted, “He is the greatest coach of all time, which makes this decision to part ways so hard” (via BBC).
With the coach making headlines, fans are eager to know what the future holds for him. Many are also curious about his family life. Belichick was wedded to Debby Clarke from 1977 to 2006, and they share three children.
Bill Belichick has three kids
Belichick has two sons and a daughter. His eldest, Amanda Belichick, was born in 1984. She is married to AJ DeSantis and has two kids with him. In a 2017 interview, she exclaimed that she didn’t intend to follow in her father’s footsteps, yet somehow has (via Sports Illustrated).
The American football coach’s second child, Steve Belichick, was born in March 1987. Steve is married to Jennifer and shares four kids with her. He joined his dad as a coaching assistant in 2012. About working with Bill Belichick, he noted in an interview, “It’s rewarding for me to, I guess, see him more and learn from him more…” (via NBC Sports).
Bill Belichick’s youngest, Brian Belichick, was a scouting assistant for the Patriots and worked alongside his dad. He is married to Catherine McLaughlin. In an interview, his elder brother described him as “really smart” and “analytical” (via The Providence Journal).
While the siblings have gone on to follow in their father’s footsteps, Bill Belichick is a doting father who encouraged his kids to follow their passion. In a 2017 media address, the football coach exclaimed, “What I have always said to my kids…is you have to follow your heart, do what your passion is…Live out your dreams and try to achieve them” (via People).