Bill Belichick has been questioned by an NFL expert as to why he waited until he left the New England Patriots before he thanked his supporters.
Belichick has posted a letter to Patriots fans after his 24-year coaching spell came to an end but Skip Bayless wonders why he has changed from his usual ‘smug and condescending’ manner.
The legendary coach reached nine Super Bowls with the Patriots, winning six, but oversaw his worst season in NFL in 2023.
He hadn’t qualified for the Super Bowl since 2019 and his departure was confirmed on January 11 after reaching a mutual agreement with owner Robert Kraft.
Bill Belichick has been questioned by Skip Bayless after his letter to New England Patriots fans
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At the time, Belichick declared at an emotional press conference that he will ‘always be a Patriot’.
On Sunday, the 71-year-old released a letter especially for Patriots fans, where he thanked them for their ‘passion’ and ‘power’.
Belichick portrayed an opposite character throughout his time with the team, where he became known for showing a lack of emotion.
NFL analyst and commentator Bayless says it is ‘a little sad’ that Belichick waited until he left before showing that side.
He says Belichick often portrayed ‘arrogance’ during his spell at the Patriots and made out he was ‘above it all until now’.
Bayless told Undisputed: “There’s obviously nothing wrong with [the letter]. But you just wondered why it didn’t come sooner during his career.
“Because I didn’t hear him ever gush like this. And I was a student of [Tom] Brady and Belichick.
“And Keyshawn [Johnson], I know you know him, and I know you love him, and I know you socialized with him and had steak dinners with him and all that. I get that. I don’t know him. I’m doing this from a distance.
“But to me, from a distance, when I first read this, if I can use a Vanderbilt word, it came off as poignant to the point of being a little sad, because I wished he had given more of this back to the fans all those years when he led this league in arrogance.
“And you know, and I know he led this league in arrogance, and he had a right to, because they were dominating the league.
“They were dynastic. But he was smug and he was condescending, and he was above it all until now.”
Belichick is keen to get back into coaching and interviewed for the Atlanta Falcons job last month.
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Skip Bayless questioned why Bill Belichick hid his emotion during his spell with the New England Patriots
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The Falcons instead appointed Raheem Morris, meaning Belichick will likely have to wait until 2025 for a new role.
The Nashville-born coach revealed his gratitude for Patriots supporters in his letter, writing: “Nowhere in America are pro sports fans as passionate as in New England and for 24 years, I was blessed to feel your passion and power.
“The Patriots are the only NFL team representing SIX states but in reality, Patriots Nation knows no borders.
“You were undaunted by weather, attended scorching hot training camp practices and braved Foxborough’s coldest, wettest, snowiest and windiest days.
Bill Belichick was announced to be leaving the New England Patriots in January
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“Your thoughtful letters offered support, critique, and creative play suggestions. You watched on TV, the internet, and from your stadium seats.
“You traveled from coast to coast and internationally. Numerous times, you overtook opposing stadiums and were the last fans standing.
“We loved it! You gave your precious time, resources, and energy to our team. We appreciated it!”
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