Mike Reiss: Belichick's years left as Head Coach is in the Single Digits

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-england...belichick-ranks-among-coaches-in-terms-of-age

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick turns 63 today, which sparks the often-asked question: "How much longer do you think he'll coach?"

In the "Bill Belichick: A Football Life" documentary from the 2009 season (aired in 2011), Belichick said that he didn't plan to go the Marv Levy route, as Levy retired from the NFL at 72. So we're now officially in single-digit territory here.

Is another five years possible? That seems like a safe projection from here.

Meanwhile, here are your oldest head coaches in the NFL

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  • Tom Coughlin (Giants): 68
  • Pete Carroll (Seahawks): 63
  • Bill Belichick (Patriots): 63
  • Bruce Arians (Cardinals): 62
  • Jim Caldwell (Lions): 60 [./b]

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I don't see him crossing the 70 year old threshold either. But I do see him possibly taking up some sort of position with the team in the front office outside of HC. The guy simply loves football too much to quit cold turkey.

Stating the obvious; this isn't exactly breaking news.

Does anybody really expect him to still be coaching the Patriots ten years from now?

Chiuba E. Obele said:

10 years seems like a stretch, don't ya think?

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Yes.

That was my point.

jmt57 said:

Yes.

That was my point.

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Oops, misread your post.

So, I guess the question everyone will ask is, does Kraft have anyone in mind who can replace Belichick?

Chiuba E. Obele said:

Oops, misread your post.

So, I guess the question everyone will ask is, does Kraft have anyone in mind who can replace Belichick?

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GM: Nick Caserio

HC: Josh McDaniels

His dad coached until he was 70. I am guessing he will reach that milestone, but it unclear much after that he will go.

jmt57 said:

GM: Nick Caserio

HC: Josh McDaniels

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Don't see that happening

Don't see either of Caserio or McDaniels being around long enough to take over. Both will be snapped up.

jmt57 said:

Stating the obvious; this isn't exactly breaking news.

Does anybody really expect him to still be coaching the Patriots ten years from now?

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They won't have a commercial on him along these lines....

Interesting that the 3 oldest coaches in the NFL have won 3 of the last 4 Super Bowls. Although I guess it kinda makes sense, since you have to be an awfully good coach to still have a job in your 60s.

The next head coach is already on the sideline.

Onward with the thousand year Belichick reich.

resdubwhite said:

Don't see either of Caserio or McDaniels being around long enough to take over. Both will be snapped up.

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Not unless they KNOW that they are part of the transition plan. That fact that neither one left when they could have has my spidey sense tingling.

When commenting about how great of a job the coordinators and coaching staff did this past year, BB said that now-a-days he is more of an "overseeer"and not involved as much in the day-to-day anymore. Maybe he was being humble but I don't think so. I do believe that at 63 he might be getting a bit more selective on where he spends his time and how much. Certainly JMD and Patricia are capable enough to call a game. Not sure if JMD is HC material but Caserio seems to be very capable.


It's the most graceful way to transition power. Don't make it sudden or knee-jerk and make it organic in it's evolution. Maybe BB sticks around for a year of two after hes away from HC duties and does something else or leaves the team.

Thats my sense anyway of what is going on.

resdubwhite said:

Don't see either of Caserio or McDaniels being around long enough to take over. Both will be snapped up.

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I believe Caerio's contracted extension made him one of the highest paid front office guys in the league.

mikey m said:

The next head coach is already on the sideline.
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Onward with the thousand year Belichick reich.

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Winning a SB while coaching alongside your son has to be up there with best experiences ever.

Sorta like:

He has to stay long enough for his son to be considered a legitimate candidate. So at least 10 more years lol.

I knew he had said that back then and I bet he still thinks so but he loves what he does and if he manages to replace Brady and is starting to push 70 I could easily see him change his thinking.

Let's assume Brady is here for 3 more years that would take Bill to 66 not crazy to think 4+ years is a fair timeline to get the next guy to the SB.

signbabybrady said:

I knew he had said that back then and I bet he still thinks so but he loves what he does and if he manages to replace Brady and is starting to push 70 I could easily see him change his thinking.

Let's assume Brady is here for 3 more years that would take Bill to 66 not crazy to think 4+ years is a fair timeline to get the next guy to the SB.

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Why is it so important for BB to stay for Jimmy "Gameday" Garappolo ?

robertweathers said:

Not unless they KNOW that they are part of the transition plan. That fact that neither one left when they could have has my spidey sense tingling.

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It could mean that a longer term focus is held by McDaniels, or it could simply mean that the right situation hasn't presented itself just yet.

One thing is for sure---those who have left the Patriots organization have often done so way too early, and for the wrong reasons. That may have provided some future guys to stop and think about waiting for the right situation to present itself.

Failures: Crennel, Weis, Mangini, McDaniels, and Pioli--not necessarily because they are lousy coaches or GMs, but more so because their new environments were destined to lose right off the bat. Thomas Dimitroff is still up in the air, although he's certainly not trending in a positive direction the past couple of years.

I think McDaniels would move on if the right organization/situation presented itself. Not sure about Cesario though, as his situation is a bit more difficult to read.

I think Reiss is certainly in the ballpark with his 5 year estimate. That would take Belichick to 68.

His comments about not wanting to coach like Marv Levy were strong, IIRC. There was no hesitation whatsoever.

Let's hope we can get one more ring while he's still here. I actually think there may be a chance of having both Brady/Belichick for another 4-5 years, as odd as that may sound.