Patriots QB Mac Jones Reacts To Bill Belichick's Departure

Patriots quarterback Mac Jones against the Jets.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 24: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots warms up prior to a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 24, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

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Mac Jones posted a heartfelt tribute to Bill Belichick after the head coach and New England Patriots agreed to part ways.

The Patriots quarterback shared a farewell letter to Belichick on Thursday.

“I grew up dreaming of playing in the NFL and that dream grew even stronger after I watched Coach Belichick and the Patriots win the Super Bowl in my hometown,” Jones wrote on Instagram. “My dream to play in the NFL came true when I was drafted to the Patriots organization and I am grateful to have played for and learned from such a legendary coach. Coach Belichick has impacted me and so many other players in immeasurable ways.”

Belichick made Jones the No. 15 pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he took New England to the playoffs with 22 passing touchdowns and a 92.5 quarterback rating.

However, the duo couldn’t replicate that success over the last two seasons.

Jones threw 14 touchdowns in as many games for the 8-9 Patriots in 2022. He regressed more this season, throwing 12 interceptions with just 10 touchdowns and a 77.0 passer rating.

The Patriots went 4-13, the worst record of Belichick’s 24-season run and the only time he missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. New England closed the season with Bailey Zappe as the starting quarterback, and Jones was a healthy scratch in Week 18.

It’s the second time in two days Jones paid his respects to one of his legendary coaches. The former Alabama quarterback also wrote a message following Nick Saban’s retirement Wednesday night.

“Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for teaching me the process,” he said. “Thank you for the invaluable football and life lessons you taught me and so many other players, coaches, families, friends, and fans. Thank you to the greatest college coach of all time!”

Jones’ future in Foxborough could be murky. A new coach could draft a new quarterback with the No. 3 pick.