Bill Belichick out as Patriots coach, ending historic run

• ESPN reports that Belichick and Kraft spent much of the week after the team's season-ending loss to the Jets in meetings about how Belichick could exit the job gracefully.

Why it matters: Over nearly a quarter century, Belichick helmed the Patriots to six Super Bowl titles and turned the Pats into one of the most dominant teams in the NFL.

• A new coach will mean a new era for the team, and for New England fans, as the Patriots rebuild.

What's next: The Pats will search for a new head coach to take over and rebuild the team.

• Former Patriot and current assistant coach Jerod Mayo has been rumored to be in the running for the top job.
• Another former Patriot-turned-coach, Mike Vrabel, is also rumored to be on Kraft's radar after he was fired by the Titans.

Kraft also has to find a new general manager, a position that Belichick held in addition to being head coach.

• Director of Player Personnel Matt Groh could get the internal promotion.

• San Francisco assistant GM Adam Peters could be looking for a new team since his boss just signed a contract extension.
• Other assistant GMs from Chicago and Kansas City are in the mix, as is former Tennessee GM Jon Robinson, who's worked with Vrabel.

One of the first things the new coach and front office team has to look forward to is the April 24 draft.

• It's been a long time since the Pats performed poorly enough to secure a prime early round 1 draft pick. They're picking at No. 3 this year.
• The new boss will surely need the new talent — maybe at quarterback — to kick off the 2024 season with a bang.