(Foxborough) New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick declined to comment on his future at the helm of the team Wednesday when asked by reporters about reports that the team’s owner, Robert Kraft, has already decided to fire him at the end of this season.
Asked several times whether he will be back with the Patriots next year, Belichick repeated that he was only focused on Sunday’s game between his team and the Kansas City Chiefs.
“I’m getting ready for Kansas City. That’s what I do,” insisted the coach.
Belichick, who led the Patriots to six Super Bowls, had a similar response when asked by media if he wanted to return to the team next year or if he had already spoken with Kraft of its plans for the 2024 season.
On Tuesday night, NBC Sports Boston reported that after the Patriots’ 10-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 12, Kraft was ready to end the team’s relationship with Belichick.
“A decision has been made,” the station reported. They were planning to play along and end the relationship at the end of the season, which would be a good time. »
Belichick’s six Super Bowl victories – he won two more as defensive coordinator of the New York Giants – represent the most in NFL history.
The 71-year-old ranks second in history in wins. He is 16 short of passing Don Shula, who had a long career with the Miami Dolphins.
However, the Patriots (3-10) are on pace to finish the season with a negative record for the third time in four years. They haven’t won a playoff game since Tom Brady joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020.
Despite the rumors circulating, Patriots players assured Wednesday that they have not felt any change in their coach’s attitude.
“We don’t pay attention to what’s going on outside,” said linebacker Jahlani Tavai.
“You tell me about everything that’s happening elsewhere, but he hasn’t changed the way he works on a daily basis. He shows up every day to make sure we are at our best,” Tavai emphasized.