Bill Belichick wasn’t revealing much.
The legendary Patriots coach was tight-lipped — even for him — Monday morning during his end-of-season press conference when addressing his murky future with the team, but one answer was significant.
He was asked directly if he’d be willing to relinquish his control over personnel decisions to do so.
“I’m for whatever collectively we decide as an organization is the best thing to help our football team,” Belichick said. “I have multiple roles in that, and I rely on a lot of people to help me in those responsibilities. Somebody’s gotta have the final say. I have it, I rely on a lot of other people to help. Whatever process that is, I’m only part of it.”
Rumors about Belichick’s future swirled all season, as the Patriots finished with a 4-13 record and missed the playoffs for the third time in four seasons.
They notably finished the season Sunday with their first loss to the Jets since 2015.
“I’m under contract,” Belichick said. “I’m gonna do what I always do, which is, every day I come in as hard as I can to help the team in whatever way I can. That’s what I’m gonna continue to do. Today was the wrap-up day for us with the players, will have a meeting with them and then go from there.
“As far as any decisions or direction or anything like that for next year, it’s way too early for that.”
Multiple reports throughout the season suggested that owner Robert Kraft will likely want to move on from his longtime coach this offseason and that there could be an awkward — or messy — split.
Other reports claimed that Kraft and Belichick had not met during the season as his future hung in the balance, but Belichick clarified Monday that they did indeed meet during the season and will again soon.
He was asked directly if he wants to remain with the Patriots and help get the team back on the right track.
“I’m gonna do everything I can every day to do the best I can to help our football team,” Belichick said. “That’s what I’ve always done. It’s never been any different for me in my career. Learned that lesson from my dad growing up. You work for the team you’re working for and you do the best you can for them. Until somebody tells you different. That’s not gonna change.”
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