NFL legend Bill Belichick is leaving the New England Patriots after 24 years as head coach.
The Patriots lost to the New York Jets on Sunday, meaning they're ending the season with a 4-13 record.
That is their worst record since Belichick's appointment and it seems the veteran has now opted to walk away from the sport.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport broke the news on X, saying: "There have been meetings the last three days.
NFL icon Bill Belichick has quit the New England Patriots after 24 years of head coach
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"In the end, the two sides could not come together for Bill Belichick to return.
"He is now out."
In a separate post, he added: "The #Patriots are moving on and so is the greatest coach of all time.
"Bill Belichick won’t be New England’s coach in 2024, per me and @TomPelissero, as his celebrated 24-year tenure, one that included 6 Super Bowl wins, is over.
"A new era awaits."
Both Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Belichick are set to address the media later today.
And fans on X have already lamented the imminent departure of the 71-year-old, with one user saying: "Today is the worst day in #Patriots team history.
"Moving on from Bill Belichick after everything he’s done for the franchise is disgusting, no appreciation at all for a man that brought them 6 Super Bowls and turned them into a historic franchise.
"Robert Kraft will forever regret this."
A second said: "This is the end of the GREATEST run in the history of sports.
"There will never be another Bill Belichick."
A third said: "Bill Belichick is the greatest coach of all time."
"It was the greatest run by a head coach in NFL history," were the words of a fourth.
A fifth stated: "Childhood is officially dead."
And a sixth reacted by saying: "Bill Belichick stands as the unparalleled coach in history."
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NFL icon Bill Belichick coaxed the best from Tom Brady at the New England Patriots
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Belichick was originally appointed as Patriots head coach in 2000.
He guided his side to six victories from nine Super Bowl appearances, while he also secured 17 AFC East division titles.
Belichick and Tom Brady had a successful working relationship, with the pair spearheading New England's dominance during the 200s and 2010s.
Ever since Brady departed in 2019, however, the Patriots have struggled to scale the heights of old.
Yet while Belichick is now looking for a new challenge, Sky Sports say he wants to continue coaching in the NFL.
Bill Belichick's departure is a blow to fans of the NFL and New England Patriots
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His replacement could be Mike Vrabel, who was recently sacked by Tennessee Titans.
Despite his long spell in charge, Belichick doesn't hold the record for most NFL victories.
George Halas won 318 matches, with Don Shula securing victory on 328 occasions during his own managerial career.
