Aaron Rodgers discusses Bill Belichick's legacy amid Patriots job uncertainty

Aaron Rodgers‘ New York Jets put an end to the New England Patriots’ season with a 17-9 victory that could be Bill Belichick’s final game as the team’s head coach. The duo met on the field on Sunday and talked again post-game. With rumors swirling about the potential end of the Belichick era in Foxborough, Rodgers addressed the head coach’s legacy on Tuesday’s Pat McAfee Show.

“I’ve always had great respect for Bill Belichick and he said some really nice things, didn’t get to play him in 2010, played him in 2014, had a nice moment after the game then, same thing in ’18 and ’22,” Rodgers said. “I was bummed out not to be playing and bummed out that this could be the last time he’s in New England, but we didn’t talk about that.

“We were talking about a snow game in 2019 at MetLife when the Packers played the Giants … I think it’d be so fun to have a scotch with Bill and just talk about football. His knowledge of the game, and his ability to recall things. He recalled two specific plays from the game. I love his knowledge of the game and I have a ton of respect for him.”

The former Packers star weighed in on whether or not he believes Belichick is done coaching after his tenure ends in New England, either this year or whenever that day may come.

“I don’t think he’s done… but I think the NFL’s better with him in it,” Rodgers said. “I’m thankful for all the little moments I’ve gotten to share with Bill over the years and tell him how much I respect him and what a great impact he’s made on the game.”

Belichick potentially next on NFL chopping block

In his career, Rodgers is 2-2 against the Belichick-coached Patriots. As divisional opponents, he would have played against New England twice with the Jets this season if not for his season-ending Achilles tear in Week 1.

The Monday following Week 18 did not disappoint with two teams firing their head coaches after losing seasons. First, following the team’s 48-17 loss on Sunday, the Atlanta Falcons fired Arthur Smith. The Falcons finished the year with a 7-10 record for the third consecutive season.

Then, the 4-13 Washington Commanders chose to part ways with head coach Ron Rivera after four seasons. Rivera, 62, had been on the hot seat with Washington having dropped seven games in a row after a 4-5 start. The Dallas Cowboys made it eight straight in the season finale Sunday with a 38-10 win.

More firing action occurred on Tuesday with the Titans announcing a surprise decision to move on from Mike Vrabel after six seasons. The Commanders, Falcons and Titans have all joined the Carolina Panthers in the hunt for new leadership. Panthers team owner fired Frank Reich after 11 games this season with a 1-10 record.

The Chargers also fired head coach Brandon Staley after three seasons last month. Staley had a 24-24 record during his time in Los Angeles, and he only had one playoff appearance under his belt.