Bill Belichick established himself as one of the NFL's greatest head coaches during his 24-year tenure with the New England Patriots, and he may make more than $200 million.
Belichick, 71, agreed to separate ways with Patriots owner Robert Kraft on Thursday. He was in the middle of a contract signed in 2023 at an estimated $25 million per year.
Little is publicly known about Belichick's previous contracts with the Patriots, as Kraft kept the details private.
The coach started in 2000 with an estimated $2 million per year salary, which gradually grew to more than $7.5 million by 2010, and more than $10 million in 2018.
Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady dominated the NFL. The two led the Patriots to six Super Bowl wins in nine appearances.
Belichick is second all-time in career wins as an NFL head coach, with 333, including playoffs. Only the late Don Shula has won more, with 347. He has the record for the most postseason victories, with 31.
Things began to go south in New England after Brady left for Tampa Bay in 2020. The Patriots have missed the playoffs in three of the last four seasons, while the Buffalo Bills have won the AFC East four straight years.
Kraft will now conduct his first head-coaching search in nearly two decades. ESPN reports that New England's linebacker coach, Jerod Mayo, is a leading candidate.
According to ESPN, Belichick has not stated that he intends to retire, thus he will enter coaching free agency at a period when he is eligible for seven jobs.
With his resume, Belichick will undoubtedly be one of the most sought-after names on this year's coaching carousel.