Head coaches of the New England Patriots since 1991

Since 1991, the New England Patriots have undergone several changes in head coaching leadership, each of which has contributed to the team’s rich history in the National Football League (NFL). From the early 1990s through to the present day, the Patriots’ coaching tenure has seen periods of both struggle and unparalleled success. Below is an overview of the head coaches who have led the Patriots from 1991 onwards, their tenure, and how each impacted the franchise.

1. Raymond Berry (1991-1992)

Raymond Berry was hired as the head coach of the New England Patriots in 1991 after the team had just come off a disappointing 6-10 season. A former star wide receiver with the Baltimore Colts, Berry’s playing career had already given him a deep understanding of the game. Unfortunately, his stint as head coach was short-lived. Under Berry’s leadership, the Patriots struggled, finishing 2-14 in 1992, which was one of the worst seasons in the franchise’s history. The team’s poor performance ultimately led to Berry’s firing after just two years.

Berry’s tenure, while unsuccessful, marked a transitional period for the Patriots as they sought to redefine their identity after a few years of mediocrity. His firing opened the door for a more dynamic and future-focused approach.

2. Bill Parcells (1993-1996)

Bill Parcells is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in New England Patriots history. After the firing of Raymond Berry, Parcells took over as the team’s head coach in 1993. Parcells, known for his no-nonsense approach, instilled a level of discipline and competitiveness that had previously been lacking. Under his guidance, the Patriots improved dramatically, finishing the 1993 season with a 5-11 record. However, it was in 1994 that the team took a significant leap, going 10-6 and earning a playoff spot.

The peak of Parcells’ tenure came in 1996, when the Patriots reached Super Bowl XXXI. Though they ultimately lost to the Green Bay Packers, the fact that the team had made it to the Super Bowl was a major accomplishment, signaling the team’s return to prominence. Despite his success, Parcells left the Patriots following the 1996 season after a dispute with ownership regarding his role and influence. However, his time with the Patriots laid the foundation for the team’s future success, and his impact on the team’s culture and personnel decisions was undeniable.

3. Pete Carroll (1997-1999)

After Bill Parcells’ departure, the Patriots hired Pete Carroll, a defensive-minded coach who had previously served as head coach of the New York Jets. Carroll’s tenure in New England was marked by inconsistency. He inherited a team that was coming off a Super Bowl appearance and had high expectations, but the Patriots struggled under his leadership, failing to reach the playoffs during his three seasons at the helm. Carroll’s record with the Patriots was 27-21, and while the team had a solid defense, the lack of sustained success led to his firing after the 1999 season.

Though Carroll’s time in New England didn’t result in long-term success, he did lay the groundwork for some of the team’s future defensive strategies. Interestingly, Carroll would go on to become one of the most successful coaches in NFL history, with a long and successful career as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, where he won a Super Bowl and built a dominant defense.

4. Bill Belichick (2000-Present)

In 2000, the New England Patriots hired Bill Belichick as their head coach, setting in motion one of the most successful coaching tenures in NFL history. Belichick had previously been with the Patriots as an assistant coach and had gained valuable experience as head coach of the Cleveland Browns. Though his stint in Cleveland was not particularly successful, his expertise and football acumen were undeniable. When the Patriots hired Belichick, they were hoping to build on the foundation set by his predecessors and create a dynasty.

Belichick’s first season as head coach in New England was not particularly notable; the team finished with a 5-11 record. However, everything changed in 2001 when the Patriots drafted quarterback Tom Brady in the sixth round of the NFL Draft. Brady’s emergence as the team’s starting quarterback in 2001 would turn the Patriots into an NFL powerhouse under Belichick’s leadership.

With Brady at quarterback and Belichick at the helm, the Patriots experienced unparalleled success. The team won three Super Bowls in the first six years of Belichick’s tenure (2001, 2003, and 2004), and the Patriots would go on to appear in nine Super Bowls over the course of Belichick’s career. The dynasty that the Patriots built during this era is widely regarded as one of the greatest in sports history. Belichick’s ability to adjust game plans, identify talent, and develop players was unmatched, and his leadership helped transform the Patriots into a perennial contender.

Over the years, Belichick’s teams were known for their “next man up” mentality, disciplined play, and ability to execute in critical moments. The Patriots’ success in the postseason, particularly in the AFC Championship Game, was a testament to Belichick’s strategic brilliance.

In 2014, the Patriots won their fourth Super Bowl title under Belichick’s leadership, and in 2016, they captured their fifth title after a historic comeback win over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI. In 2018, the Patriots won their sixth title, cementing their place as one of the NFL’s most successful franchises.

Though the Patriots began to experience some struggles in the 2020s, Belichick remained one of the most respected coaches in the NFL. His legacy, built on consistency, success, and an unparalleled ability to adapt, has had a lasting impact on the NFL and sports in general.

5. Other Coaching Notes and Interim Coaches

In addition to the four main head coaches mentioned above, the Patriots have had a few interim coaches and assistants step into the role temporarily. These included coaches like Romeo Crennel and Charlie Weis, who both had stints as coordinators with the Patriots before going on to become head coaches elsewhere. However, these individuals did not serve as permanent head coaches of the team.