Just because the Patriots got a much-needed win over the Steelers on Thursday doesn’t mean speculation about Bill Belichick’s future has ceased.
When discussing what’s next for New England, former Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman suggested on “Fox NFL Kickoff” Sunday that there are likely few people who actually know Belichick’s fate for 2024, including the head coach himself.
“It’s going to be interesting,” Edelman began, “I really honestly think only three people know what’s going to happen next year: Bill, RKK [Robert Kenneth Kraft, the Patriots owner] and Jonathan [Kraft, the team’s president]. I don’t think they’re going to address it until the season’s over. So, I think that’s where we’re at.”
Edelman spent his entire 12-year career with the Patriots, where he won three championships for the 2014, 2016 and 2018 seasons.
Those glory days now feel like a distant memory, as the Patriots remain in the basement of the AFC East at 3-10.
As the Patriots’ woes have continued in recent weeks — particularly at quarterback — Belichick has been linked to a handful of teams, including the Buccaneers and Commanders.
The 71-year-old coach, who has been at the helm for New England since 2000, winning six Super Bowls with former quarterback Tom Brady, has called the chatter “ridiculous.”
With the Patriots off Sunday, Belichick made an appearance Saturday on ESPN’s “College GameDay,” in addition to Robert Kraft.
During Kraft’s appearance on the broadcast, Pat McAfee alluded to the lingering Belichick decision, stating to the team owner, “I don’t envy your position. What’s about to happen. We all know.”
The Patriots will next host the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs on Sunday, Dec. 17, before closing out the regular season against the Jets on Jan. 7, 2024.
