Are Steve and Brian Belichick Both Related to Bill Belichick?
Bill Belichick is widely regarded as the best coach in NFL history. He’s presided over a modern-day dynasty in New England. In an era marked by multiple playoff rounds and better athletes than ever playing the game, his Patriots have qualified for nine Super Bowls. That’s simply unheard of in today’s game.
There are two other NFL coaches with the last name Belichick — Steve and Brian. Are they related to Bill?
Bill Belichick career overview
Bill Belichick is held in high regard today, but that wasn’t always the case. He began his head coaching career with the Cleveland Browns. From 1991-1995, he led the Browns to one playoff appearance and four losing seasons.
Belichick was a favorite assistant of legendary head coach Bill Parcells, serving as a defensive coordinator under Parcells in New York during separate tenures with the Giants and Jets.
Here’s an overview of Belichick’s accomplishments during his career:
- Win-loss record of 269-124
- 17 playoff appearances
- 42 playoff games with a record of 31-11
- Six Super Bowls
- Nine AFC championships
Parcells handpicked Belichick to replace him when he stepped down as coach of the Jets. Belichick spurned the Jets to coach the Patriots. Belichick’s career blossomed in New England. He selected quarterback Tom Brady in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. Soon thereafter, the two would make history as the most successful coach and quarterback combo of all time.
Who is Steve Belichick?
Steve Belichick is currently the New England Patriots’ secondary and safeties coach. He spent the previous three seasons responsible for only the safeties. The safeties were a big part of the Patriots’ Super Bowl-winning defense that gave up only three points to the Los Angeles Rams in the championship game and finished with an average of 18.5 points allowed per game on the season. Safety Devin McCourty received his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl nod as well.
Steve played lacrosse at Rutgers, walking on to the football team at long snapper to help get him ready for a career as a football coach. He also played high school football as a linebacker, tight end, and fullback in Weston, Massachusetts.
Who is Brian Belichick?
Brian Belichick is Steve’s brother and a coaching assistant with the Patriots, a position he’s held for the last three years. The Patriots first hired him as a scouting assistant in 2016. He played lacrosse for Trinity College. Like Steve, he played football in high school as well.
Are Steve and Brian Belichick both related to Bill Belichick?
The fact that Steve and Brian Belichick ended up on the Patriots’ coaching staff isn’t a mere coincidence. They are in fact Bill Belichick’s sons. According to Steve, he’s attempting to follow in his father’s footsteps:
“Obviously, I love my dad, he’s my role model, my idol,” the 29-year-old Belichick said. “I want to be just like him and I have since I knew what an idol was. It’s rewarding for me to be able to see him more and learn from him more, because I’ve been away from him for high school and college.”
Showing that he truly was a chip off the old block, Steve’s first session with reporters included him wearing a Rutgers lacrosse sweatshirt, much like the sweatshirt his dad wears on the Patriots’ sideline.
While some may see the presence of Steve and Brian on the Patriots’ coaching staff as nepotism personified, there’s another way to look at their hirings. Both of them have had access to the greatest coaching mind in football history and will no doubt have his ear going forward. There’s no better teacher. Furthermore, both men have paid their dues. They’ve served as low-level assistants.
Like Kyle Shanahan having success after his father Mike, the two could be well on their way to great careers in coaching.
