Bill Belichick responds to chance to campaign for Patriots future

Head coach Bill Belichick was given an opportunity during a Monday appearance on WEEI's "The Greg Hill Show" to confirm or deny he'd like to remain with the New England Patriots beyond what's become a frustrating season for the organization. 

Belichick insisted on multiple occasions he's focused only on the upcoming Sunday night game between the 3-11 Patriots and 7-7 Denver Broncos.

"I’m not getting into the past, the future or anything else," Belichick said when asked Monday morning if he wants to keep coaching the Patriots past Week 18, as shared by team beat reporter Zack Cox of NESN. "I’m getting ready for Denver this week." 

It was reported last week that Patriots owner Robert Kraft decided after New England's loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Germany on Nov. 12 that he would part ways with Belichick following the campaign. However, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network said this past Saturday that Kraft has not yet "come to a firm conclusion on what will happen next with his head-coaching situation." Rapoport added that "the way New England finishes could go a long way in determining what's next" for the franchise. 

The Patriots lost to the Kansas City Chiefs (9-5) 27-17 at home on Sunday. 

"I think any questions you have for Mr. Kraft, you should ask Mr. Kraft," Belichick responded when asked on Monday if he feels he still has Kraft's support. 

Belichick reportedly is under contract through the 2024 season, but the Patriots will now miss the playoffs for the third time since quarterback Tom Brady left the club as a free agent after the 2019 campaign. The six-time Super Bowl champion head coach was heavily linked ahead of this past weekend with the Los Angeles Chargers, and it's assumed a handful of other clubs could at least explore trading for Belichick's services even though he turns 72 years old in April 2024. 

Belichick acknowledged Monday he and his players "have open conversations about everything" as rumors about his future hover over the team amid the final weeks of a lost season. 

There seems to be no chance that Kraft will fire Belichick before the Week 18 home game versus the New York Jets, but that likely won't prevent reporters from asking New England players about Belichick's status unless Kraft makes an unexpected announcement ahead of Jan. 7.