Steve Belichick Opens Up About Decision To Leave Patriots

There were three Belichicks on the New England Patriots coaching staff last season. But now, only one remains.

The Patriots and legendary head coach Bill Belichick parted ways at the end of the season while Steve Belichick found a different job in the college ranks at the University of Washington. Brian Belichick remained with New England as the team's safeties coach.

It was an interesting choice by Steve Belichick, who served as New England's defensive play caller, to move across the country and join the college ranks. With Jerod Mayo being promoted to head coach, Belichick would have been in line to officially be the team's defensive coordinator.

But Belichick went with a different opportunity and opened up this week about his decision to leave the Patriots.

"I wasn't eager to leave (the Patriots) or anything like that," Belichick told The Athletic's Jeff Howe. "You just keep your options open. Stuff happens. We all have different reasons for (taking different jobs), but it just felt right."

Belichick has a built-in relationship with Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch. The two crossed paths when Fisch served as the Patriots quarterbacks coach for his only season with the organization in 2020.

Fisch then became the head coach at Arizona before jumping to Washington in January. And he made sure to bring Belichick along with him.

"It kind of happened organically," Belichick said. "It's cool to be out here. It's weird how it happened. Everything fell into place, and I'm pumped to be out here.

"It's been really good. I really appreciate coach Fisch giving me the opportunity. It's definitely different moving across the country and going to college, but at the end of the day, football is football. It's been good. Learning a lot. I'm excited to keep it going."

Belichick said he gets coaching advice from his famous father, who also lends a helping hand to Fisch as well.

And even though Belichick, who spent 12 seasons on the coaching staff with New England, said he felt like he was never in his dad's shadow with the Patriots, this is the first time he has coached without him by his side. And he's excited for the blank slate in front of him.

"I'm proud of what I did in New England," Belichick said. "So many good relationships. It was amazing. I was there for a real long time, started my family there. Now I'm here, and I'm not worried about what's going to happen going forward. We need to have good days in camp, stack them together and go win some games.

"I never predicted I would come out here or (think) for a period of time before I got out here that I can't wait to go someplace else. It happened, and now I'm out here. I'm not looking forward to going anyplace else. I'm looking forward to staying here and being with these guys. That's all I'm worried about."