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Bill Belichick’s resignation from the New York Jets is arguably one of the darkest days in the franchise’s 61-year history – and the franchise has seen many embarrassing moments over the decades. Belichick resigned from the Jets a day after being hired as the team’s head coach in 2000 to accept the New England Patriots head coach job weeks later.
The Jets have just one division title and six playoff appearances in the 21 seasons since Belichick stepped down, while the Patriots have won six Super Bowls and have only had one losing season since Belichick accepted the job – and it was his first year with the Patriots in 2000.
Would Belichick have enjoyed the same success if he stayed with the Jets? He will not play revisionist history.
“Well, not just one of the highlights, but you know, one of the highlights of my career,” Belichick told WEEI Sports Radio on Tuesday. “This combined with Robert [Kraft] giving me the opportunity to come here, I couldn’t have asked for more. It wasn’t a good situation for me and I didn’t want to be a part of it, so I wasn’t. The other half was that Robert gave me the opportunity to come here and trade, he gave up a bit to get me to come here, and it was a big business. “
Belichick’s resignation from the Jets was one of the most astonishing press conferences in the history of the sport. Belichick wrote on a small piece of paper that he was stepping down as head coach of the Jets and handed it over to team officials right after being introduced as the franchise’s next head coach. During the press conference, Belichick answered questions about why he was resigning after just a day’s work.
Belichick was under contract to be Bill Parcells’ successor as head coach, a job he was given when Parcells retired immediately after the end of the 1999 season. Following Belichick’s resignation, the current Patriots head coach tried to cancel his contract with the team. Parcells, who remained general manager, struck a deal with the Patriots to acquire the rights to Belichick – acquiring a 2000 first-round pick from the Patriots (No.16 overall) as well as fourth and seventh round picks in 2001. The Patriots received Belichick, a fifth-round pick in 2001 and a seventh-round pick in 2002.
The Patriots asked the Jets for permission to speak to Belichick before he resigned, but the Jets refused. New England fired Pete Carroll days before the request after finishing 8-8 and missing the playoffs. Because Parcells retained the title of general manager and head of football operations, Belichick saw an opportunity in New England to lead his own staff without any interference – which was essentially a promotion. Woody Johnson bought the Jets in January 2000 and immediately worked with Parcells and Patriots owner Robert Kraft on a deal to send Belichick to New England.
The rest is history.
“I am very grateful that it worked. I appreciate all the support from Robert, the Kraft family, the Patriots organization and all the New England fans and will continue to try to do my best. for this team and this organization, ”Belichick told me. “Give them the best they can and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to come here. I just wasn’t going to stay there in this situation.”
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