The legendary Bill Belichick has retired from the NFL's New England Patriots after taking over at the turn of the century in 2000. Having won six titles and become synonymous with success in America's favourite sport, he leaves his position as one of only three coaches to surpass three hundred regular season victories.

Belichick's departure marks the end of an era of championships and concludes one of the greatest dynasties in American sports. "I have so many fond memories and thoughts when I think of the Patriots, and I will always be a Patriot," Belichick said upon leaving the Boston franchise. 

And he did not close any doors. "I hope to come back here, but right now we are moving on. Excited about the future, but always grateful for the opportunity here, the support here," stated the now-former head coach of Massachusetts-based team.

William Stephen Belichick, better known as Bill Belichick, is now a free agent from now on and can sign with another NFL franchise to try and surpass his fellow Hall of Fame coaches Don Shula and George Halas. 

Including postseason wins, the Tennessee native has 333 career victories, second only to Shula's 347, and is not far off Belichick's record despite his former team's worst season in history (4-13, the worst of Belichick's career).

His coaching career began in 1975, although as an assistant coach with the Baltimore Colts. He went on to have a great career with the New York Giants, made his coaching debut with the Cleveland Browns in 1991, served as defensive coordinator with the New York Jets before becoming the head coach, and became an icon with the New England Patriots from 2000.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft, thanked the coach for his 24 years of service: "Coach Belichick will forever be celebrated forever as a legendary sports icon here in New England, and I believe he will be inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame on the first ballot," Kraft said.

"Why? Because he is the best coach of all time, which makes this decision to part ways so difficult. But it's a move we both agreed was necessary at this time," concluded the 82-year-old Patriots owner.

Belichick, by the numbers:

New England won NFL crowns under Belichick's leadership in the seasons 2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016, and 2018. The franchise's record under the legendary coach is impressive. A positive record of 266-120 in 24 seasons and won 17 AFC East titles, the most by any head coach with a single club, including 11 in a row (2009-2019), a remarkable record.