Breaking Bill? Former Patriots Coach Steve Belichick Hired By Washington
FOXBORO — Former New England Patriots outside linebackers coach Steve Belichick will be coaching outside of New England for first time in his career in 2024.
The 36-year-old, the oldest son of former Patriots coach Bill Belichick, has agreed to become the new defensive coordinator for the University of Washington, per a 247 Sports report.
Belichick had recently interviewed for the open position, and will work under new Washington head coach Jedd Fisch. The pair previously worked together in Foxboro in 2020, when Fisch served as Patriots’ quarterbacks coach in the wake of Tom Brady’s departure.
Former Patriots running backs coach Vinnie Sunseri is also expected to leave New England for Fisch's staff in Seattle.
Cred: USA Today Sports Images
Having begun his coaching career as a defensive assistant on his father’s staff, Belichick received his first promotion to safeties coach in 2016. In 2019, he became responsible for the entire secondary before being named linebackers coach the following season. Since that time, he has officially held the title of outside linebackers coach.
Alongside new Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo, Belichick has been among the lead architects for New England’s recent defensive renaissance. Together, the pair have been intricately involved in the team’s defensive on-field operations — essentially carrying out the duties of unofficial co-defensive coordinators. For the past five seasons, Belichick has handled the play-calling duties, while Mayo took on a more active role in strategy. In fact, they have reportedly developed quite a strong relationship since they began working together in 2019.
Despite his father “mutually and amicably” agreeing to part ways with the organization in January, the possibility of Steve Belichick staying with New England remained feasible — considering his strong working relationship with Mayo, along with his skills as a defensive play caller. Belichick also reportedly worked well with new Patriots defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington, whose front-seven game planning (as defensive line coach) blended nicely with his coverage schemes in the defensive backfield.
Nevertheless, Belichick will continue his coaching career at the collegiate level at Washington, getting the chance to fully lead a defense for the first time. He becomes the third former Pats assistant coach to accept a new assignment in the wake of Bill Belichick’s departure — joining former offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien (Ohio State) — whose exit from New England may, in fact, be short-lived — and special teams assistant Joe Houston moving to the University of Florida.
As for the Patriots, it appears to be all but a foregone conclusion that at least one member of the Belichick family will not be on their sidelines for the first time since March 2000.
