In a stunning turn of events, the New England Patriots announced their decision to part ways with legendary coach Bill Belichick. An ESPN column published on Friday shed light on Belichick's final season with the team, revealing that he had a sense of the impending end of his tenure in Foxboro, Massachusetts.

According to the columnists Seth Wickersham and Wright Thompson, as the 2023 season unfolded and the Patriots' performance deteriorated, Belichick sensed that his days with the organization were numbered. This realization seemed to influence the way he approached his responsibilities in the latter part of the season.

The ESPN column revealed that the atmosphere in the Patriots' facility shifted noticeably during Belichick's final weeks. He spent more time alone in his office, keeping his thoughts to himself. In previous seasons, Belichick would assign projects to assistant coaches to prepare for the upcoming draft or free agency. However, during his last season, he refrained from doing so.

One incident described in the column involved a heated discussion about running plays between Belichick and coach Bill O'Brien during a staff meeting. O'Brien eventually stormed out in frustration, leaving the rest of the coaches uncertain about how to proceed. Belichick, aware that his time in New England was coming to an end, chose not to escalate the situation and let it go.

It appears that tensions between Belichick and O'Brien had been building for some time. Belichick reportedly wanted to retain Matt Patricia as the offensive coordinator following the Patriots' disappointing 2022 season. However, O'Brien, who had been hired the previous year, objected to this decision. Belichick rejected O'Brien's request, potentially adding strain to their relationship.

While O'Brien's future with the Patriots remains uncertain, rumors suggest that he may continue to work for the team under newly appointed head coach Jerod Mayo. If O'Brien does depart alongside Belichick, there is speculation that another former member of the Patriots organization may make a return.

As the football world processes the reality of Belichick's departure from the Patriots, fans and analysts are left reflecting on his remarkable run with the team over the years. With the 2023 season giving clear indications of an impending exit, it is now up to the Patriots to navigate a new era without their beloved coach at the helm.