"You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain."
That's a line from the movie "The Dark Knight" by Harvey Dent, but it could also be a line that encapsulates where Bill Belichick's career is going - at least to some Patriots fans.
Right now, lots of Patriots supporters and analysts think he is past his prime, and the team should give him the pink slip.
There were even cheap shots being fired toward the NFL's winningest coach. One thing is sure, though - he will go down as one of the richest NFL personalities in terms of accolades and dollars earned.
How much is Bill Belichick's net worth in 2023?
Bill Belichick's Net Worth 2023: $60 Million
While the players hog the attention when it comes to contracts, Belichick's contract is just as extravagant as many elite players.
Celebrity Net Worth puts his wealth at $60 million. He is currently tied with Don Shula in second on the list of wealthiest coaches in league history, next to John Madden, who earned $200 million.
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That could grow bigger as he just signed a multi-year $20 million annual salary, and firing him is not an option for the Patriots.
"I don't see Bill going anywhere," Blount told NESN's Claudia Bellofatto. "I maybe see him taking a little bit less responsibility, as far as the (general manager) role or maybe someone that makes the contract decisions or the money decisions. I think maybe they'll take him out of that role a little bit in order for you to be able to contend in these games - big-time games."
Belichick is not just the coach but also the general manager of the Patriots, the reason why he is getting paid handsomely.
However, some think these achievements are reasons the Patriots are struggling.
"Bill Belichick has changed. And I thought about that this morning and I thought he's got rings, legacy, and money. Of course it changes you," sports commentator Colin Cowherd said in September while explaining that Belichick is being complacent.
Bill Belichick's Career
Belichick did not come out of the gate as a sought-after coach. He struggled to become the coach that he is now. He did not settle. He is now worth that much with the bulk of it coming from his coaching gigs.
Before the eight Super Bowls, he worked in 1975 as a special assistant by coach Ted Marchibroda with the Baltimore Colts for $25 per week.
His role grew in 1979, but with another team after the New York Giants hired him as a Special teams and defensive assistant. He had more roles by 1980 as he was designated a linebacker and special teams coach and then a full defensive coordinator from 1985 to 1980.
His first full-time head coach gig came from the Cleveland Cavaliers, whom he coached for four seasons. He was fired in 1995 with just one winning season.
His first rodeo with the Patriots was in 1996 as an assistant head coach. That did not produce outstanding results, but he returned in 2000 and has not left since.
In his second chance with New England in 2000, he was hired by Robert Kraft as the de facto general manager. It did not take long to pay back Kraft's trust in him by winning the Super Bowl from 2001 to 2004.
He won the title again in 2015, 2017, and 2019, and as they say, the rest is history. However, the latter part of history might not be pretty if the current Patriots' performance continues.
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