In the realm of New England Patriots football, the prospect of parting ways with the legendary coach Bill Belichick is a contentious topic that could carry significant disappointment for the team’s devoted fanbase. One glaring issue emerges: who can effectively replace one of the greatest football minds in history? The struggles faced by other AFC East teams, such as the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, and Miami Dolphins, in finding the right coaching fit serve as cautionary tales.
The Buffalo Bills, since 2000 during the Brady/Belichick era, have navigated through a series of coaching changes, seeking the elusive path to success. The New York Jets have seen numerous coaches come and go, with challenges compounded by injuries and lackluster performance at the quarterback position. The Miami Dolphins, although currently fielding a high-powered offense led by Tua Tagovailoa, have also witnessed their share of coaching upheavals.
Since Marv Levy’s coaching tenure with the Buffalo Bills, the team has had several head coaches. The list includes:
- Wade Phillips (1998–2000)
- Gregg Williams (2001–2003)
- Mike Mularkey (2004–2005)
- Dick Jauron (2006–2009)
- Perry Fewell (Interim, 2009)
- Chan Gailey (2010–2012)
- Doug Marrone (2013–2014)
- Anthony Lynn (Interim, 2016)
- Sean McDermott (2017– present)
Here is a list of New York Jets head coaches since the year 2000:
- Al Groh (2000)
- Herman Edwards (2001–2005)
- Eric Mangini (2006–2008)
- Rex Ryan (2009–2014)
- Todd Bowles (2015–2018)
- Adam Gase (2019–2020)
- Robert Saleh (2021- present)
Since Don Shula’s tenure as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, the team has had several head coaches. The list includes:
- Jimmy Johnson (1996–1999)
- Dave Wannstedt (2000–2004)
- Jim Bates (Interim, 2004)
- Nick Saban (2005–2006)
- Cam Cameron (2007)
- Tony Sparano (2008–2011)
- Todd Bowles (Interim, 2011)
- Joe Philbin (2012–2015)
- Dan Campbell (Interim, 2015)
- Adam Gase (2016–2018)
- Brian Flores (2019–2021)
- Mike McDaniel (2022 – present)
While some Patriots fans might express impatience with rookie quarterback Mac Jones, it’s crucial to recognize that the team is only on its second signal-caller post-Tom Brady. I agree it is time to move on from Mac Jones, but the next Patriots’ franchise Quarterback is unlikely to be under center next season. Competitors in the AFC East have undergone a carousel of quarterbacks in their quest for a franchise player. The Bills found stability with Josh Allen, and the Dolphins are now spearheading a high-powered offense led by Tua Tagovailoa. However, the New York Jets, hindered by Aaron Rodgers’ injury and Zack Wilson’s lackluster performance, still grapple with uncertainty at the position.
Since Jim Kelly’s retirement after the 1996 season, the Buffalo Bills have had several starting quarterbacks. The list includes:
- Todd Collins
- Alex Van Pelt
- Rob Johnson
- Doug Flutie
- Drew Bledsoe
- J.P. Losman
- Kelly Holcomb
- Trent Edwards
- Ryan Fitzpatrick
- EJ Manuel
- Kyle Orton
- Tyrod Taylor
- Nathan Peterman
- Josh Allen
Since Joe Namath’s tenure with the New York Jets, the team has had numerous starting quarterbacks. The list includes:
- Richard Todd
- Matt Robinson
- Pat Ryan
- Ken O’Brien
- Browning Nagle
- Boomer Esiason
- Jack Trudeau
- Frank Reich
- Neil O’Donnell
- Glenn Foley
- Ray Lucas
- Vinny Testaverde
- Chad Pennington
- Quincy Carter
- Brooks Bollinger
- Kellen Clemens
- Brett Favre
- Mark Sanchez
- Geno Smith
- Ryan Fitzpatrick
- Bryce Petty
- Josh McCown
- Sam Darnold
- Zack Wilson
- Aaron Rodgers
Since Dan Marino’s retirement after the 1999 season, the Miami Dolphins have had problems finding their next franchise quarterback. The list includes:
- Jay Fiedler
- Ray Lucas
- Brian Griese
- A.J. Feeley
- Sage Rosenfels
- Gus Frerotte
- Joey Harrington
- Daunte Culpepper
- Cleo Lemon
- Trent Green
- John Beck
- Chad Pennington
- Chad Henne
- Tyler Thigpen
- Matt Moore
- Ryan Tannehill
- Jay Cutler
- Brock Osweiler
- Ryan Fitzpatrick
- Tua Tagovailoa
The Patriots fans are right it is time to move on from Bill Belichick and Mac is definitely not the future of the team. As Patriots fans advocate for a change, they should be prepared for the consequences. Moving on from a coaching legend like Belichick might usher in a period of rebuilding that could extend for decades, a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional football. While the call for change may be valid, they should brace for the arduous journey that could precede the restoration of the franchise to its former glory.