NFL Hall of Famer Howie Long has added his voice to the ongoing speculation surrounding the future of Bill Belichick with the New England Patriots. As the Patriots endure a disappointing season and are already eliminated from playoff contention, rumors have swirled about Belichick's possible departure.

Supporting the views expressed by former Patriots star Rob Gronkowski, Long believes that a "mutually agreed upon parting of the ways" between Belichick and the Patriots could be a distinct possibility. Long shared his thoughts during an interview with Kay Adams on her FanDiel TV show, Up And Adams, on Wednesday.

The rumors gained further traction after team Insider Tom Curran revealed on Monday that he had heard about the Patriots planning to sever ties with Belichick during the upcoming offseason. These murmurs only added fuel to the already intense discussions surrounding the coach's future in New England.

Long, who is not only an NFL Hall of Famer but also a co-host on Fox NFL Sunday, expressed his agreement with Gronkowski, emphasizing that his former teammate's words resonate with the current situation. The Patriots' struggles this season, marked by a disappointing record of 3-10, have raised questions about the team's future direction and the role Belichick will play in it.

While the New England Patriots' dynasty under Belichick has been one of the most successful in NFL history, recent seasons have been marked by declining performances and roster challenges. The Patriots' struggles last year combined with a lackluster 2021 campaign have fueled speculation that a change might be on the horizon for the veteran coach.

As the Patriots face the reality of a second consecutive losing season, discussions regarding Belichick's future intensify. While no official comment has been made by either Belichick or the Patriots organization regarding these rumors, the opinions of former players and respected figures in the NFL, such as Gronkowski and Long, contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the coach's potential departure from the team.

With the regular season nearing its end and the Patriots already out of playoff contention, the focus now shifts to the offseason and the decisions the organization will make to rebuild and reestablish their position as title contenders. The future of Bill Belichick remains uncertain, but with prominent voices like Howie Long endorsing the possibility of a change, the anticipation for what lies ahead for the Patriots grows.