FOXBORO, MA -- After leading the Patriots to the Superbowl following their 1996 season which ended with a loss to the Green Bay Packers in the championship game, there were many who believed that Patriots owner Robert Kraft should have done whatever it took to keep former head coach Bill Parcells in Foxboro.

After leading his team to a Superbowl victory in 2001, it appears that Kraft isn't prepared to let Bill Belichick get away after announcing on Wednesday that the head coach received a two-year extension that will keep him in Foxboro through at least 2006.

"It's a real thrill to be a part of the Kraft family and the organization here with the Patriots," Belichick told the media on Wednesday. "What this organization stands for on and off the field is what I believe in, it's what I want to be a part of and it's what I want to contribute to and I am extremely pleased that Mr. Kraft has offered to extend my tenure here. "

"This is a great organization to work for, I am proud to be here and proud to be part of the New England Patriots."

Belichick had two years left on the original five-year deal he signed back in January of 2000.

In his first year after replacing Pete Carroll, who was fired with two years left on his previous contract, the team went 5-11.

In his second year, New England found themselves on top of the NFL after beating the St. Louis Rams for the teams first Super Bowl championship.

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