Bill Belichick was named the NFL Coach of the Year three times.

Bill Belichick (via Imago)

The New England Patriots and Bill Belichick had a historic 23-year run. They won six Super Bowls together and have created countless memories together.

However, according to ESPN.com, both parties have decided to part ways on Thursday. He hasn’t had much success without Tom Brady, and he is now without a job.

As the Patriots finished the season with a 4-13 record and missed the playoffs for the third time in four seasons, speculation about Belichick’s future was rife. With the Patriots, he had an overall record of 267-121.

Belichick, who is 71 years old, does not seem to be planning to retire. He only needs to win 15 more games to tie Don Shula‘s record for the most victories of any head coach in NFL history. The front-runners to succeed him are former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel and Patriots inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo.

According to NFL Network, other former Patriots players like Josh McDaniels and Brian Flores will also be considered.

Belichick originally joined the Patriots in 1996 as an assistant head coach and defensive backs coach under Bill Parcells.

Later, for the next three seasons, he served as the Jets’ defensive coordinator and assistant head coach, again working under Parcells. After the 1999 season, Parcells resigned as head coach of the Jets and made arrangements for Belichick to take over.

Fans react to Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots parting ways after a 23-year association

The Bill Belichick-New England Patriots association is coming to an end after 23 years. It began in 2000 and was very successful.

However, after a 4-13 season, the Patriots have finally decided to let go of their legendary head coach. The partnership was one of the most successful in sports history.

Bill Belichick (via Imago)

Fans on social media reacted to the news. Some called it the greatest association in sports history, while others named Belichick the GOAT head coach.

Belichick received a lot of respect and love from NFL fans on social media.

Sharing a wide spectrum of reactions online, here’s what fans have to say:

Before having a disastrous four years as the Browns’ head coach, Belichick first gained notoriety as the defensive coordinator of the fierce New York Giants defense from 1985 to 1990.

During that time, the team won two Super Bowls. Now, he’s on the open market, and teams will swoop in to acquire the legendary HC’s services.