CULTURE

Footer Column 2

Footer Legal

Footer Main

Nav Bar

OTHER

SPORTS

Subscribe, at any level, to play

Thanks for your interest in Defector Crosswords!

Become a subscriber today to get unlimited access

Thanks for reading!

Plans start at $8/month.

Subscribers enjoy unlimited, ad-free browsing.

Register to continue

Or click here to subscribe for unlimited, ad-free access!

Our gift to you: This year's post is unlocked. Register your email to get even more free articles.

Welcome to the 2025 Hater's Guide!

Just register your email:

This blog is free to read.

This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

Defector

Ray Ratto

Bill Belichick, former NFL coach, looks on during the game between the Washington Huskies and the Michigan Wolverines at Husky Stadium on October 5, 2024.

College Football

Bill Belichick Isn’t The First Coaching Legend Who Doesn’t Know How To Quit

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick adjusts the microphones at his post-game press conference after the Patriots beat the Jets in January of 2024. He looks like he has a tummyache.

Bill Belichick, America’s Sweetheart

Owner Robert Kraft of the New England Patriots reacts before Super Bowl LVIII between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefsat Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Why Your Team Sucks

Why Your Team Sucks 2024: New England Patriots

Samer Kalaf

Bill Belichick at a press conference for the Patriots.

Life's Rich Pageant

Each New Detail About How Bill Belichick Met His Girlfriend Is The Opposite Of Romantic

An exterior view shows signage for Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium on January 30, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The game will be played on February 11, 2024, between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers.

Super Bowl Day 3: Too Stupid, Too Early


<p>Diana Moskovitz is Defector&#8217;s investigations editor. You can contact her at diana@defector.com or dfmoskovitz@protonmail.com. She&#8217;s also on Signal @dmoskovitz.99</p>


Diana Moskovitz

Then-New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick speaks during a press conference after a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

At Some Point, You Either Adjust Or Fade Away

Luis Paez-Pumar

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick announces he is leaving the team during a press conference at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on January 11, 2024.

Bill Belichick Exits As He Entered: As A Bore Who Never Won Without Tom Brady

Lauren Theisen

Bill Belichick talks with Tom Brady before a game

Tom Brady’s Old Coach To Leave Patriots

Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs off the field at halftime during the CFP Semifinal Rose Bowl Game against the Michigan Wolverines at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 1, 2024 in Pasadena, California.

Nick Saban’s Biggest Win Is Leaving With His Dignity

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 07: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick speaks during a press conference after a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

The Belichick Vigil Starts Now

<div class="author-header-content">
<p>Charles P. Pierce is a writer at <em>Esquire</em> and the author of four books, most recently <em>Idiot America</em>, and has been a working journalist since 1976. He lives near Boston with his wife but no longer his three children.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
<div class="author-header-shares"></div>


Charles P. Pierce

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick chats with QB Bailey Zappe in the first half. The Patriots beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, 21-18.

The Patriots Are Reverting To Type

<p>Columnist. Author of many <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Drew-Magary/e/B001JS8R52/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1">fine works of literature</a>, including <em>Point B</em>. Handsomest man in the world.</p>


Drew Magary

Foxborough, MA - October 8: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walks off the field following the game. The Patriots lost to the New Orleans Saints, 34-0. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Jamboroo

Bill Belichick Is Going Out The Way He Came In

Bill Belichick looks frustrated as the Patriots lose.

It’s Time To Entertain The Idea Of Bill Belichick Losing His Job

Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots look on prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York.

Why Your Team Sucks 2023: New England Patriots

Tom Ley

Matt Patricia Keeps Getting Away With It

Barry Petchesky

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 24: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots reacts during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium on October 24, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Bill Belichick Really Brain Genius’d That One

Politics

Relegation-Bound United Kingdom Sacks Liz Truss

Why Your Team Sucks 2022: New England Patriots

Patrick Redford

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Head coach Brian Flores of the Miami Dolphins looks on during before the game against the Houston Texans at Hard Rock Stadium on November 07, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Brian Flores Sues NFL For Racial Discrimination

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 28: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots exits the field after the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on December 28, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)

Bill Belichick Lives For This Shit

David Roth

Tom Brady, seen here yelling during the Bucs' Week 9 loss to Washington, with The Distraction logo at upper left.

Podcasts

The Key Ingredient Is Ruthlessness, With Seth Wickersham

<p>Staff Writer</p>
<p>Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19</p>


Chris Thompson

Steve Belichick’s Mouth Must Be Studied And Then Banned

Cam Newton #1 of the New England Patriots enters the tunnel at half time during a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 3, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.