Is Bill Belichick’s glorious Patriots reign approaching an ugly conclusion?

The New England coach is the greatest football mind of the 21st-century. But his fortunes have been on the decline since Tom Brady left Foxborough

As he lifted the Vince Lombardi trophy after his New England Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams at Super Bowl LIII in 2019, it seemed unthinkable that Bill Belichick, the most successful coach in NFL history, could ever enter a season with his job on the line.

It was the culmination of a campaign in which he had led the Patriots to a top-place finish in the AFC East for the 16th time in 19 seasons, and for the 10th year in succession, as well as claiming the AFC championship for the ninth time. His sixth Super Bowl triumph confirmed his status as professional football's most decorated coach.