Trading Branch = Belichick staying longterm
 

I believe the fact that they are still managing this team for the future shows that Bill is planning to stay here long term. He is not just trying to forsake the team's future to win in the short term. Anybody else agree?

Re: Trading Branch = Belichick staying longterm
 

100% right, Bunzo. I was going to post the same thing yesterday, but got sidetracked.

This franchise is set up beautifully for the next 5-7 years.

If the Pats actually do pull off a SB win this year, it's "Katie Bar the Door" for the rest of the NFL for the rest of the decade.

Re: Trading Branch = Belichick staying longterm
 

Don't know if you're right, but I sure as Hell hope so. I'd assume the long-term has its appeal to Belichick on an historic level, his having such profound respect for the game and awareness for his place in it. The fact that his father had the attitude of "Why would I leave Navy, it's a great situation" pushes him in that direction, as well, I'm sure.

Re: Trading Branch = Belichick staying longterm
 

Belichick has no reason to leave as Jonathan was the one who wanted to have him replace Parcells in the first place. Assuming Bill's relationship with either Robert or Jonathan hasn't deteriorated (and we have no reason to believe it has), Bill will likely stay with the Patriots the rest of his career. And there's no reason to believe that won't be 10 years or so - unless he decides to call it quits when Brady does. But I don't think so, I expect them to trade Cassel in one or two offseasons and about 4 years from now draft who they hope to be Brady's eventual replacement and just keep the ship rolling.

Re: Trading Branch = Belichick staying longterm
 

I don't disagree with anyone here, but for me being a sootsayer about BB is risky. I can predict what direction he is going in sometimes, but then he always surprises me. It seems he has found his comfort level here in NE, the freedom allowed by the Krafts, his relationship with SP, pretty much sculpted is own organization and enjoys the challenges...but I always wonder how long he will last given his work schedule and his previously strained marital relationship.

Re: Trading Branch = Belichick staying longterm
 

IMO BB's ultimate decision to trade Branch was actually a short term decision to remove a weekly distration and a guy who wasn't going to report until week 11 anyway.

If this was truly a long term decision he might have chosen to let Branch play out his hand this season and franchise him next year to send a message to all players that holdouts don't work.

Things worked out great for Branch and Chayut - which long term sets a dangerous precedent - but short term it was the right move for us, and we did get something in retrun.

Re: Trading Branch = Belichick staying longterm
 

He will never have the same kind of freedom he has here. An owner that pretty much buys into everything he says. He also has all the tools to be a competative team for a long time and he keeps adding to it. It would be in the best interest of both the Patriots orginazation and BB to get a nice 15 year contract done.

OT: On a side note, anyone else see that goalie get 15 years? Is that the longest contract ever that wasnt a lifetime contract?

Re: Trading Branch = Belichick staying longterm
 

Belichick likely wouldn't leave until Pees or McDaniels is ready to take over as head coach, and that is probably several years away. Clearly the Pat's were caught short at WR after Branch's hold-out and unfortunately mistakes like that are hugely magnified when you have to go on the field with a stadium full of frenzied Pat's fans with high expectations.

Re: Trading Branch = Belichick staying longterm
 

I agree with you here. BB was getting rid of a problem so his team could move on already.
If it didn't happen to go down the way it did, I could see BB lettin him rot for year.

Re: Trading Branch = Belichick staying longterm
 

I would LOVE to see Bill at least ..AT LEAST another 5 years.He is still fairly young.Mid 50's I think?He knows he is building a legacy here and I dont see him tiring of this anytime soon.Though,Im not a prophet by any means.These years with him and brady at the helm are among the best we have ever seen.Hands Down.Trading Branch was a great Idea.IMHO.The draft has been kind to us.