End of the Belichick era in New England: Bill’s youngest son leaves Patriots

There is a new era in Foxborough as the New England Patriots look to return to relevance in the NFL. With a new era beginning at Gillette Stadium, another comes to an end. Brian Belichick has parted ways with the franchise he grew up watching and working for a kid and into adulthood.

Vrable in, Belichick out

Since the no so savory departure of Tom Brady, the Patriots have fizzled to the bottom of the AFC. After a two decade long dynasty in which Brady and Bill Belichick led the best team in NFL history, Brady left which was followed by the axing of the legendary coach a few years later.

Pats owner made the difficult decision of letting Bill Belichick go after a 4-13 season which was the worst since in New England since Belichick signed on with the team back in 2000. Former defensive star Jerod Mayo was chosen to be his replacement but the heir to the throne only lasted for a season as a young, and talent-lacking team produced another 4-13 record.

Now it’s time for another Patriots legend to take charge on the sidelines at Gillette Stadium. Mike Vrable was appointed as the head coach just days after the final snap of Week 18. Brian Belichick, who was still on the staff serving as the safeties coach will apparently not be returning to the Patriots next season.

Next stop Chapel Hill?

Vrable, who coached the Tennessee Titans and took them to the AFC Championship in 2020, played under Belichick from 2001 until 2008 winning three Super Bowl titles while serving as the heart and soul of the defense. Brian Belichick would have got to know Vrable quite well during that time, but now it seems he is ready for new challenges.

Brian’s dad spent this past season doing various TV gigs as coaching offers were few and far between once he hit the market. Next year, he’ll be back on the sidelines after agreeing to become the University of North Carolina’s head coach.

The Patriots former outside linebackers coach and older brother of Brain, Steve, stayed in New England up until last season when he went to the University of Washington. When his dad was appointed head coach at Chapel Hill, he quickly hopped aboard and that could be Brian’s next destination as well.