Things didn't end perfectly for the New England Patriots and former head coach Bill Belichick.
While the two sides mutually agreed to part ways, New England finished his final four seasons after Tom Brady's departure with a 29-38 record and just one postseason appearance.
After Belichick was no longer under contract, Patriots owner Robert Kraft took part in a docuseries about the team's dynastic run with Belichick and Brady that seemed to have a bit of a negative slant toward the head coach.
This past week, Belichick showed up at Gillette Stadium for Brady's induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame, which was an honor that Kraft waived the usual four-year waiting period to push through.
Now, as Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio pointed out on the "Pardon My Take" podcast, Kraft has to do the same for Belichick.
Belichick helped New England accomplish the exact same feats that Brady did - six Super Bowl wins, nine Super Bowl appearances, 17 division championships and more wins than any other team in the league throughout that period.
Technically, if Kraft doesn't waive the four-year waiting period, Belichick would be eligible for the team Hall of Fame after the 2027 season. However, it would be even more bad publicity for Kraft, who has been receiving some shots this offseason, if he doesn't.
The only even semi-acceptable reason for not giving him the same treatment next year would be if he's back coaching in the league. At the same time, New England did an induction ceremony, albeit on a much smaller scale, with former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel when he was still leading his team.
Either way, the countdown starts now, and Kraft needs to put his ego aside and host a night to celebrate Belichick in the exact same way they honored Brady, statue and all.
