Bill Belichick has revealed that he is leaving the New England Patriots after reaching a mutual agreement with owner Robert Kraft.
The 71-year-old has held a press conference thanking everyone who has been a part of his 24-year journey with the NFL side.
It was announced on Thursday morning that Belichick will be leaving his role as head coach.
Defeat to the New York Jets on Sunday meant the Patriots would finish the campaign with a 4-13 record, the worst in his tenure.
Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft agreed mutually for the coach to leave
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And that may well have sparked his exit after almost two-and-half decades.
Belichick stood alongside Kraft at a press conference on Thursday afternoon.
He started his speech with a joke, commenting: "Haven't seen this many cameras since we signed (Tim) Tebow."
Belichick then revealed that his exit came about following several meetings with Kraft.
He said: "Robert and I, after a series of discussions, have mutually agreed to part ways."
However, Belichick was not downbeat and was keen to celebrate what he and the Patriots have achieved.
He thanked Kraft for the opportunity he first gave him at the start of the century.
Belichick added: "For me, this is a day of gratitude and celebration.
"To start with Robert and his family, so much thanks for the opportunity to be head coach here for 24 years.
"It was an amazing opportunity and we received tremendous support.
"We had a vision of building a championship-winning football team here and it’s exceeded my wildest dreams and expectations, the amount of success that we were able to achieve together through a lot of hard work and contributions of so many people.
"Very proud of that and I’ll always have those great memories. I’ll carry those with me the rest of my life."
Belichick reached nine Super Bowls with the Patriots, winning six of them, the last of which was the victory over the Los Angeles Rams in 2019.
He was keen to thank the coaches who were a part of a hugely successful era.
He said: "After Robert I want to thank the assistant coaches, I've had so many great coaches here. They've made my job here easier.
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Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft spoke at a press conference on Thursday
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"There's a long list but the amount of work and preparation and diligence that they do, every one of them, and I say this about the players and the coaches regardless of how long they were here.
"It was a great team effort and everyone put everything they had into it and that’s why it was successful.
"So for the coaches, the support staff, the amazing staff here that have supported me in every way, all the scouting and all the football support people, security, video operations, dining room, it's all first class. It's all extremely good."
Belichick was keen not to forget the players who have been instrumental in him achieving what he has in the sport.
"And a great deal of thanks and appreciation to the players," he continued.
Bill Belichick thanked Robert Kraft for the opportunity he gave him
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"The players win games in the NFL and I've been very, very fortunate to coach some of the greatest players to have ever played.
"Regardless of how long a player was here, what their role was or how many games they played, or even if they didn't win championships, I respect the way the players come to work here on a daily basis.
"All of them that I've coached, and I've coached way over 1000."
Belichick concluded his speech by declaring: "I'll always be a Patriot."
