BILL Belichick’s rollercoaster year meant the end of a historic coaching career and the beginning of a controversial relationship.
The New England Patriots legend started 2024 in humiliating fashion with his departure from the franchise after 24 years and six Super Bowls.
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To the shock of the NFL community, Belichick was unable to secure the head coaching job in the offseason and will enter the 2024 season unemployed.
But Belichick bounced back with a move to broadcast on The Pat McAfee Show, a star turn on Netflix’s Roast of Tom Brady, plus an appearance on the Apple TV+ docuseries The Dynasty.
And since then, the 72-year-old has made new headlines with his controversial relationship with former cheerleader Jordon Hudson, 24.
Here’s a look at Belichick’s year so far, which has gone from jeers to applause.
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End of an illustrious era
Belichick entered 2024 amid rampant speculation that he was about to lose his job, with the Patriots having a dismal 4-12 record in the final game of the regular season.
His departure became inevitable after the Patriots lost 17-13 to the New York Jets, marking the worst result for Belichick since he took over the franchise.
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“As far as the future goes, I’m going to talk to Robert (Kraft), like I do every year, at some point late in the season,” Belichick said.
“And we’ll talk about things like we always do. I’m sure that will happen.”
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On January 11, Patriots owner Robert Kraft decided to take up the ax to end Belichick’s historic 24-year run with the team.
In an emotional news conference, Belichick appeared to hold back tears.
Belichick’s voice cracked as he said, “There are so many good memories and thoughts [when] I think about the Patriots.
“I will always be a Patriot, I look forward to coming back here. But this time let’s move on.
“I’m excited about the future.”
Kraft then replaced Belichick at the podium to discuss what he described as “the end of an era.”
The Patriots owner also described the NFL icon as “the greatest coach of all time” and suggested he would be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Former Patriots quarterback Brady showed his support for Belichick on social media.
“I never could have been the player I was without you, Coach Belichick,” Brady wrote.
“I am eternally grateful. And I wish you the best of luck in your next choice.”
It seemed likely that Belichick would soon find another head coaching job in the NFL.
But he was sensationally snubbed despite interviews with the Washington Commanders and Atlanta Falcons.
Switch to broadcasting
Belichick began considering his future career options and Pat McAfee made it clear he wanted the NFL icon on his ESPN show.
“I’m trying my best to get Bill Belichick on this show at least once a week from now on,” the ESPN star said.
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“Only at least once a week from now on in football season.
“Could you imagine us attacking Bill Belichick every week for an entire football season?”
While this was happening, Belichick made an appearance on the Apple TV+ docu-series The Dynasty, which chronicled the highs and lows of the head coach’s time with the Patriots.
Many NFL insiders were disappointed and dismayed by the series’ negative portrayal of Belichick.
In April, Belichick joined McAfee for a live broadcast of the NFL Draft from Detroit.
And the Patriots legend received rave reviews from fans for his analysis — and sharp sense of humor.
While on the show, Belichick agreed to appear regularly on The Pat McAfee Show during the 2024 NFL season.
Just days later, Belichick showed off his unexpected talent for comedy in Brady’s Netflix, including a hilarious dig at Rob Gronkowski.
During the live TV special, Peyton Manning revealed that Belichick would appear on the Monday Night Football ManningCast next season.
“For those who don’t know, Coach is going to be working on Eli and my Monday Night Football show this year,” Manning said.
“I have to tell you, it’s going to be incredible. Eli and I are super excited.
“And it will give coach Belichick something he hasn’t had in a while — a chance to be around quarterbacks he respects.”
Controversial relationship
Belichick, who is of Croatian descent, was then honored in several ceremonies during a visit to the European country.
But the coach’s life was rocked when TMZ reported he was dating 24-year-old Hudson.
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It turned out that Belichick met Hudson on a flight from the Boston area to Florida in 2021.
The pair reportedly bonded over a philosophy project she was working on at the time.
The two kept in touch as Hudson and Belichick communicated over the next few months.
Both talked about their cheerleading days and schoolwork during this time.
After Belichick split from ex-girlfriend Linda Holliday, his relationship with Hudson began to heat up.
In the following days, photos emerged of the couple together – before a video was released of Belichick sneaking out of his home.
Since then, NFL insiders and media pundits have commented on the relationship, with one describing Belichick as “a pig.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
