Inside The Heat

Departure Of New England Patriots Coach Bill Belichick Reflects Opposite Of Erik Spoelstra's Contract Extension

Coach Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots are expected to part ways, while Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra recently signed a long-term contract extension

Anthony Pasciolla

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The Miami Heat are headed in the opposite direction as the New England Patriots in terms of coaching.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra recently signed an eight-year, $120-plus million contract extension to remain with the organization. Meanwhile, it was announced on Thursday morning by ESPN's Adam Schefter that coach Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots are expected to part ways after 24 seasons together.

Spoelstra and Belichick are two of the most successful coaches in history in their respective sports.

The Heat coach has won three championships (two as head coach) while winning the fourth most games with a single team. Not to mention, Miami has reached six NBA Finals with Spoelstra at the helm.

Spoelstra is not yet on the level of Belichick, who led New England to six Super Bowl titles. He is the third-winningest coach in NFL history behind Don Shula (No. 1) and George Halas (No. 2).

Belichick's struggles began once all-time quarterback Tom Brady departed in 2020. Since then, the Patriots have posted a 29-38 record, missing the playoffs in three of those four years. Offensive struggles from quarterbacks and poor draft selections likely played pivotal parts in the decision.

There have been a multitude of football coaches leaving or retiring in recent days, including Belichick, Alabama's Nick Saban, and the Tennessee Titans' Mike Vrabel, but Spoelstra remains a cornerstone of Miami's organization.

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Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Inside the Heat.

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Anthony Pasciolla
ANTHONY PASCIOLLA

Anthony Pasciolla is a sports journalist who began covering the NBA in June 2023. A Philadelphia native, Anthony has experience covering the Philadelphia 76ers as a credentialed reporter. He has written for Miami Heat, Back In The Day Hoops, Kansas State Wildcats, and Illinois Fighting Illini on Sports Illustrated. His work also includes 76ers coverage for The Sporting News and previous stories for Athlon Sports and BasketballNews. When he’s not covering the NBA, you can find him spending time with friends and family or diving into the world of fantasy football. Follow him on X @AnthonyPasci or reach him via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com

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