Bill Belichick too committed to current Patriots to address 2024 NFL Draft pick
Sunday’s loss to the Bills might not have done anything to help Bill Belichick’s job security, but to borrow a phrase from the Patriots head coach, it probably was in the “best interest of the team.”
The loss moved the Patriots up from selecting fourth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft to third overall. Depending on what happens next weekend, they could wind up picking anywhere from second to seventh overall.
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Belichick was asked about the 4-12 Patriots’ draft positioning during his weekly call on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show” on Tuesday morning.
“I’m committed to the team that I’m coaching right now, the players that are here,” Belichick said. “They deserve my best every day and that’s what I’m going to give them.”
The Patriots wrap things up Sunday against the Jets, so Tuesday’s call was Belichick’s last appearance of the season. The head coach was asked multiple questions about his future with the team. He repeated a similar refrain to what he said about his future Monday morning when asked if he would consider bringing in a general manager to help with front-office decisions.
“Looking at the Jets, trying to get ready to go on them,” Belichick said. “It’s been a long time since we’ve played them here, whatever 14, 15 games ago. So, really going to focus on that, and that’s what we’re doing this week. It’s a lot of hypotheticals and in the past, in the future. I’m really focused on what’s going on right now, and that’s what my job is. That’s what I’m trying to do. And that’s what I’m going to do.”
He did seem to make himself laugh when asked if he should be expected to return as a weekly guest next season.
“Yeah, again, I appreciate the question,” Belichick said. “I’m working on the Jets. Next year is next year.”
Until owner Robert Kraft meets with Belichick following the conclusion of the season, nothing seems set in stone about the future of the head coach/general manager position in New England. The Patriots have struggled since quarterback Tom Brady left following the 2019 season, but this is the worst season of Kraft’s ownership and Belichick’s tenure as head coach.