AFC East

Brian Belichick won't be joining Mike Vrabel's coaching staff with the New England Patriots.

The longtime coach for the Patriots—who has been with the team since 2016 and most recently served a five-year stint as the safeties coach—will be departing the organization this offseason, per Mike Reiss of ESPN.

Belichick, the son of former Patriots head coach and current North Carolina head honcho Bill Belichick, started his New England tenure as a scouting assistant before getting promoted to coaching assistant (2017-19). He then moved to safeties coach and was retained under Jerod Mayo when his father departed the organization after the 2023 season.

Reiss wrote that "Devin McCourty, among others, have spoken highly of his [Brian Belichick's] coaching acumen."

It is unclear if Brian Belichick will follow his father and brother Steve Belichick to North Carolina. Steve Belichick is serving as a Tar Heels' assistant coach after being the defensive coordinator for the Washington Huskies last season.

Vrabel, meanwhile, is reworking New England's staff and bringing aboard a number of men from his time coaching the Tennessee Titans in Terrell Williams (who will serve as defensive coordinator, Tony Dews (running backs), Clinton McMillan, Jason Houghtaling and Zak Kuhr.

He also hired Josh McDaniels to run the offense and is keeping special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer and special teams assistant Tom Quinn from Mayo's former staff. Doug Marrone, Thomas Brown and Ashton Grant (quarterbacks) have also reportedly been added to the offensive staff under McDaniels.

The Patriots find themselves in a complete rebuild after three straight losing seasons and two conesecutive campaigns with just four wins. But the retooling efforts have solid anchors in place after a promising rookie season from quarterback Drake Maye and the hire of the experienced and well-respected Vrabel.

New York Jets owner Woody Johnson is taking accountability for how things have gone for the organization in recent years under his stewardship.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Johnson admitted "I have to be a better owner" for the Jets to reach the level of success they hope to achieve.

"I'm trying to be better," he said. "And I do self scout, and a lot of people scout for me. … I think I did it today by introducing the two leaders of this team, the second is to — I've got to have patience. I've got to let them evolve in these positions, which I think they will. I think it'll be quick, but I think they'll evolve."

Monday marked a significant date for the franchise because it was the introductory press conference for new general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn.

One of the big decisions that Johnson made two years ago was acquiring Aaron Rodgers in a trade with the Green Bay Packers. Now, Rodgers' future in New York is very much up in the air.

Johnson did note he would not do anything to influence whatever decision Mougey and Glenn make regarding Rodgers.

"They've got to take a look at how the team's composed and what they think they need and put all that together," Johnson said. "No, I'm not going to voice my opinion. That's up to them."

Johnson's tenure as Jets owner, which began in 2000, has left a lot to be desired. They've frequently been in a state of dysfunction on and off the field, resulting in them holding the longest playoff drought of any team in the four major North American men's pro sports leagues.

The best thing an owner of any sports team can do is get out of the way and let the football people make the decisions. You'll still get the glory if your team is successful because almost always the first person to be presented with the Lombardi Trophy at the Super Bowl is the owner.

It will be tough-sledding for the Jets to end their playoff drought in 2025 with the Buffalo Bills likely to still be very good and the New England Patriots presumably improving around Drake Maye with new head coach Mike Vrabel.

If Johnson empowers Mougey and Glenn to do their jobs without fear of someone looking over their shoulders, the Jets could improve on their 5-12 record from this season.

After Dalton Kincaid dropped a tough pass from Josh Allen on a crucial fourth-and-5 in the Buffalo Bills' 32-29 AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Allen is shouldering the blame for the play.

"I got to be better for him," Allen said, per ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg. "I didn't feel like I put him in enough good situations this year, ball placement wise... He can sit there and think about that play over and over, but I got to be better for him. That's what it comes down to and get him more involved."

Kincaid faced criticism following the play, as the ball slipped through his arms, potentially setting up a game-tying field goal attempt for kicker Tyler Bass. However, Bills teammates were quick to emphasize that a single play did not decide the outcome of the game.

Linebacker Terrel Bernard echoed Allen's sentiments.

"I think it's unfair, honestly, to even say (Kincaid lost them the game) and put him in that situation," Bernard said, per Getzenberg. "There's so many plays that it comes down to throughout a game, and we just didn't make enough of 'em."

Allen had nothing but praise for the tight end, highlighting Kincaid's toughness and consistent contributions throughout the season for the 13-4 Bills squad.

"I know he's been battling throughout the entire year, bumps and bruises and probably games that he shouldn't have played he was in, but he's a tough sucker, and I got nothing but, love for him, how he's approached this year," Allen said, per Getzenberg. "He's going to be so much better next year. Let his body heal up, and I'm going to be better, better for him and I can promise you that."

Prior to the drop, the second-year player recorded two catches for 13 yards in the game. He wrapped up the regular season with 448 yards on 44 receptions and two touchdowns, adding six catches for 71 yards in the playoffs.

Despite his successful season, the play hit much harder for Kincaid as he heads into the offseason, being on the receiving end of the criticism.

"Just an opportunity for a play to be made, and just couldn't make the play," Kincaid said after the game, per Getzenberg.

In response to the drop, Baltimore Ravens fans created a GoFundMe with proceeds going to the Summit Center for Autism, a charity Kincaid has worked with in the past.

The goal is $10,000 and as of Monday afternoon, it has raised $3,001.

The move comes after Bills Mafia opened a GoFundMe for Baltimore tight end Mark Andrews following a crucial dropped pass that could have lifted the Ravens to the AFC Championship game, directing funds to the Breakthrough T1D charity.

It is clear that no one on the team will enter the offseason holding Kincaid accountable for the drop, with everyone taking accountability for trailing throughout the game. Soon the play will be something of the pass for the Bills.

New York Jets owner Woody Johnson made it clear that he's planning on staying out of the way while the new regime makes a decision on the future of star quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Johnson told reporters following Monday's press conference introducing new head coach Aaron Glenn and new general manager Darren Mougey that they will be the ones making the decision on Rodgers and he would "absolutely" welcome the 41-year-old back if that's what they decide:

Woody Johnson was asked about his feeling regarding an Aaron Rodgers return: pic.twitter.com/YVvz0J9oTq

— Jets Videos (@snyjets) January 27, 2025

Glenn said during his introductory statement that he's already had some communication with Rodgers:

Aaron Glenn brings up the future of Aaron Rodgers on the Jets:

"We've already [had] communication with [him]. As we continue to look at the roster, we'll make decisions accordingly" pic.twitter.com/KRQ7JKF7Hj

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) January 27, 2025

Rodgers has made it clear that he is contemplating retirement this offseason. If he chooses to return for a 21st year in the NFL, there's no guarantee that he would want to remain in New York following the team's tumultuous 2024 campaign.

Despite entering the year with Super Bowl aspirations, the Jets went 5-12 and missed the playoffs for the 14th straight year. Head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas were both fired before the end of the year, and there were multiple indications of a disconnect between Rodgers and Johnson.

ESPN's Rich Cimini reported that Johnson made a suggestion to bench Rodgers early in the season. One source said the suggestion was "said in jest in a provocative nature," but another source said Johnson "appeared to be serious." During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show late last month, Rodgers admitted that he was not close with Johnson and he had more of a relationship with his brother, Jets vice chairman Christopher Johnson.

Still, it sounds like Johnson has turned a new leaf in his ownership style. He admitted to reporters on Monday, "I have to look in the mirror and be a better owner."

If Johnson stays true to his word, Glenn and Mougey will have a strong chance to lead the Jets back to prominence over the next few years.

Newly hired New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn made a declaration during his introductory press conference on Monday that should have Jets fans excited about the future.

Per Connor Hughes of SNY, Glenn acknowledged that the process of turning the franchise around won't be easy before adding, "But we're the freaking New York Jets, and we're built for this s--t."

"We're the freaking New York Jets. And we're built for this s--t."

- Aaron Glenn pic.twitter.com/5zCDhfebU1

— Jets Videos (@snyjets) January 27, 2025

A former NFL cornerback, Glenn was the Jets' first-round pick in the 1994 NFL draft and spent the first eight years of his playing career with the franchise. New York also gave him his first off-the-field job as a personnel scout in 2012, so being hired as head coach represents a full-circle moment for him.

However, taking over the Jets is no small task, as Glenn is now at the helm of a team that has the league's longest active playoff drought at 14 straight years. New York has significant decisions to make this offseason, such as whether to retain star quarterback Aaron Rodgers if he chooses to continue his playing career. Glenn and newly hired general manager Darren Mougey will have to be in lockstep as they try to end New York's run of futility, but they both made it clear on Monday that they're ready for the challenge.

Luckily for Glenn, he already has extensive experience in turning losing franchises into title contenders. As a player, he endured a 1-15 season with the Jets in 1996 before the team finished 12-4 just two years later. When he was hired as defensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions in 2021 under head coach Dan Campbell, the team went 3-13-1 in his first year before putting together three straight winning seasons with back-to-back NFC North titles in the past two years.

By the end of Monday's press conference, it was clear that Glenn displayed the energy and leadership the Jets will need in order to turn things around quickly and return to playoff contention.

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott gave his thoughts on a close fourth-down conversion attempt by Josh Allen that failed during his team's 32-29 defeat at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs in Sunday's AFC Championship Game.

"I thought he had it," McDermott said, via Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. "Just short of the line was actually the first down, what it looked like to me when it was sitting next to me with the marker. Just inside that white stripe was the first down. And it looked like he got to it. That's all I can say."

With roughly 13 minutes left in regulation, Allen attempted to move the chains on the ground with one yard to gain on fourth down. He was ruled short, with the play getting reviewed and the call on the field standing.

The Chiefs' defense stops them on fourth down!

📺: #BUFvsKC on CBS
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus and Paramount+ pic.twitter.com/VwGmEZ3IrW

— NFL (@NFL) January 27, 2025

The previous play is under review pic.twitter.com/NObGPU7gw8

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) January 27, 2025

CBS Sports rules analyst and former NFL referee Gene Steratore said that he felt like Allen did enough to move the chains on the broadcast.

"I felt like he gained it." - @GeneSteratore pic.twitter.com/Tfcj2CEzpz

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) January 27, 2025

It was a costly turnover on downs for the Bills, as they held a one-point advantage at the time and were close to entering field-goal range to potentially extend their lead.

The Chiefs quickly scored a touchdown after getting the ball back, and Buffalo wouldn't re-take the lead for the remainder of the contest before eventually failing to convert another fourth-down opportunity with two minutes left in the game.

The Chiefs make the stop on fourth down!

📺: #BUFvsKC on CBS
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus and Paramount+ pic.twitter.com/s4rXNURB3z

— NFL (@NFL) January 27, 2025

Allen finished 22-of-34 for 237 yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception, getting sacked twice. He also picked up 39 rush yards on 11 attempts.

The Bills have now fallen to the Chiefs during each of their four playoff meetings since 2020, with three of the postseason defeats containing a one-possession final margin.

Following another hard-fought loss to Kansas City on Sunday, McDermott believed that Allen picked up a first down on a key fourth-quarter drive that ultimately stalled.

Dalton Kincaid was despondent following his dropped pass on Josh Allen's 4th-and-5 heave in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 32-29 AFC Championship Game loss against the Kansas City Chiefs.

"Josh made a hell of an attempt just to get the ball up there. It just sucks a lot not being able to bring it down," he told reporters after the game. "It just hurts a lot. Obviously just knowing we don't get to play another game as this team, and we don't make it on to that next step. Just hurts a lot."

Dalton Kincaid & Dawson Knox on the final play.

It was a very, very hard catch. But it would’ve put the Bills in field goal range with a chance to either tie/take the lead in the final two minutes. pic.twitter.com/K4jRtEBhZa

— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) January 27, 2025

"Right now it obviously hurts a lot, and it's going to linger for a while, but eventually you've got to move on," he added. "And hopefully you grow from this, and I believe that will be the case, but for the time being, it's going to hurt a lot."

With two minutes remaining, the Bills had a 4th-and-5 from their own 47-yard line. The Chiefs sent a disguised blitz from the secondary and Allen went into scramble mode before heaving the ball down the field. Kincaid was open but the ball was slightly underthrown, and he was unable to make a diving grab.

The game wasn't over from there, given that Buffalo had all three timeouts. But the Chiefs picked up a pair of first downs and were able to run out the clock, yet again ending Buffalo's title hopes.

It was another instant classic between the teams, but it finished the same way as every other postseason matchup in the Patrick Mahomes vs. Allen era—with a Kansas City win.

Aaron Rodgers' future with the New York Jets gained a little more clarity on Monday.

Head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey's view on Rodgers' long-term outlook in New York during the interview process with the team was revealed by Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer.

"Both Glenn and Mougey said when interviewing that they weren't going to look at handling Aaron Rodgers's situation in a black-and-white way, rather saying it needed evaluation and discussion," Breer wrote on Monday. "All that stuff, both with Rodgers and among themselves, can start now."

The Jets hired Glenn, the former defensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, on Wednesday before agreeing to terms with Mougey on Saturday. Mougey previously served as the Denver Broncos' assistant general manager.

Fox Sports' Jay Glazer previously revealed that he had a conversation with Glenn, as the new head coach planned to meet with Rodgers and come up with a decision regarding his future "much sooner than later."

Brian Schottenheimer's relationship with Dak Prescott was a big factor in the #Cowboys hiring him as HC @JayGlazer has more on the latest head coaching hires ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/pMlL4YOhjI

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 26, 2025

The Jets could be looking for a new option under center after finishing with a 5-12 record in 2024, but it'll be costly to move on from the four-time MVP. If Rodgers is cut or retires before the 2025 season, the Jets will have a $49 million "dead" charge, representing an accumulation of pro-rated bonuses from prior years (h/t ESPN's Rich Cimini).

The 41-year-old's Pro Bowl days may be behind him, but he was still a serviceable option compared to New York's other quarterbacks over the past decade. In 17 starts, Rodgers completed 63 percent of his throws for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns compared to 11 interceptions.

Rodgers. Davante. Storybook stuff.

📺: #MIAvsNYJ on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/1Tyk2ivGNY

— NFL (@NFL) January 6, 2025

Following the Jets' final game of the regular season, the signal-caller confirmed that he'd make a decision with the team "before it gets too late in the offseason."

With both Glenn and Mougey now officially hired, they can commence with evaluating Rodgers' outlook in New York.

Following the Buffalo Bills' 32-29 AFC Championship Game loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Josh Allen shared candid thoughts after falling to the defending champions.

"To be the champs, you got to beat the champs, and we didn't do it tonight," Allen told reporters after the loss.

Josh Allen after not getting past the Chiefs again in the postseason: pic.twitter.com/cxV6ypInsL

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 27, 2025

The 28-year-old quarterback played valiantly on Sunday, completing 64.7 percent of his passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns.

Allen and the Bills fell to the Chiefs once again on Sunday, marking their fourth playoff loss to Kansas City since 2020, including two Divisional Round defeats and two AFC Championship heartbreaks.

On Sunday, it felt as though the Bills might finally conquer their "Final Boss," with the game tied at 29 and just 6:15 remaining in the fourth quarter. However, the Bills fell short once more, leaving their Super Bowl aspirations unfulfilled.

"You can either get it done or you can't, and we didn't get it done," Allen told reporters.

Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs advanced to their third consecutive Super Bowl, seeking to achieve a feat never accomplished in NFL history: a three-peat as champions.

With Mahomes and the Chiefs' success, the Bills are far from the only team to suffer a heartbreaking loss at their hands.

"They've ended a lot of teams' seasons, too. It's a good squad. They had a good plan tonight, and again they made one more play than we did," Allen told reporters.

Ironically, Allen and the Bills hold a 4-1 record against the Chiefs in the regular season, even handing them one of their two losses this season in a 30-21 victory back in November.

The Bills and Allen will head into the offseason with plenty to ponder, searching for that extra edge needed to finally overcome Mahomes and the Chiefs next season.

The Super Bowl LIX matchup is set, and fans are gearing up for another showdown between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs after the Buffalo Bills fell short in the final minutes of Sunday's AFC Championship Game.

Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs secured a 32-29 victory over the Bills to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl. The dynamic quarterback put on a show, rushing for 43 yards, completing 18-of-26 passes for 245 yards and recording one passing touchdown along with two rushing scores.

For Buffalo, it was a heartbreaking end to their season. Josh Allen gave a valiant effort, finishing 22-of-34 for 237 yards and two touchdowns while adding 39 rushing yards in the narrow defeat.

pic.twitter.com/v1RlRosoyZ

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) January 27, 2025

Fans were quick to voice their frustrations over the Bills' questionable play-calling down the stretch, with some blaming the sideline decisions for the team's late-game collapse.

https://twitter.com/MDBamaMom/status/1883698833793921146

The Bills offensive play-calling in short-yardage situations lacks imagination to a degree I can’t fully explain

— Uncle Phil (@unclephilslocks) January 27, 2025

This Bills play calling is…. pic.twitter.com/AkgPnZ0IyN

— Amanda Guerra (@AmandaGuerraCBS) January 27, 2025

Bills play calling has been atrocious…

Running Josh Allen when it doesn’t work, James Cook with 4 touches in the 1st half, every pass has been screens / quick dump offs the two times they go deep, open.

Goal line fade with a rookie vs an all-pro CB pic.twitter.com/lMUT3AAL2W

— Corey Neal (@CNeal70) January 27, 2025

I simply don’t understand the Bills play calling man they literally had this game in Josh Allen’s hands.

JUST RUN THE CLOCK there was literally NO need to throw the ball three times in a row to stop the clock.

— Grace (@grace_sportakes) January 27, 2025

Last 4 play calls by the bills with the season on the line just…………..

You guys deserve this

— Eddie Gonzalez (@bansky) January 27, 2025

Bills play calling absolutely horrendous. 3 straight pass plays same 0 result. No creativity whatsoever.

— big C (@thecspot) January 27, 2025

Regardless of whether that's a 1st down or not. The bills play calling on 3rd/4th and short does not fill me with confidence

— Ross L (@lumbeiro) January 27, 2025

I don’t give a sh*t about the call going the Chiefs way.

STOP. RUNNING. THE. OBVIOUS. QB. SNEAK.

The Bills did the same play 5 times on the last 2 drives and gained 1 yard once.

— Adam (@pucker7) January 27, 2025

The Bills are obsessed with running the worst offensive play calls ever

— Mike Sullivan (@msully5433) January 27, 2025

bills offensive coordinator sold that drive awful play calling

— Teddy💛 (@Teddy_20) January 27, 2025

Running back Kareem Hunt opened the scoring for the Chiefs with a 12-yard rush, capping off a five-minute drive to put Kansas City up 7-0 on their opening possession. The Bills responded shortly after with a successful 53-yard field goal by Tyler Bass.

A costly fumble by Patrick Mahomes, recovered by Ed Oliver late in the first quarter, set up the Bills in prime position. James Cook capitalized early in the second quarter with a touchdown run, giving Buffalo a 10-7 lead.

BILLS BALL‼️

📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/WJLBdGcSxv

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 27, 2025

THE COOK IS IN THE KITCHEN!

📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/6LypkzXi0r

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 27, 2025

Mahomes and Xavier Worthy quickly turned the tide with back-to-back scoring drives, adding 14 points to put the Chiefs ahead 21-10 with less than two minutes remaining in the half.

Buffalo executed a flawless two-minute drill, as Allen connected with Mack Hollins on a 34-yard touchdown pass. However, their failed two-point conversion left the Bills trailing 21-16 at halftime.

The third quarter turned into a defensive battle, with neither team able to put points on the board until Cook broke through with under three minutes remaining, scoring his second touchdown to give the Bills a 22-21 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

THE BILLS RETAKE THE LEAD! 😳

🎥 NFL, CBS
pic.twitter.com/heSSAHS7OL

— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) January 27, 2025

Mahomes wasted no time regaining the lead, scoring on a 10-yard rush early in the fourth. He followed it up with a successful two-point pass to Justin Watson, putting the Chiefs up 29-22.

Allen responded on the next drive, connecting with Curtis Samuel on a four-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 29-29. Kansas City answered again, as Harrison Butker drilled a 35-yard field goal with 3:33 left in regulation, putting the Chiefs ahead 32-29.

WHEELS STILL SPINNIN'‼️ pic.twitter.com/p9L7w06KQ3

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 27, 2025

TIE GAME.

📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/GpngxwIoG4

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 27, 2025

The Bills' final drive fell short when a failed screen pass and relentless pressure on Allen on 4th-and-5 resulted in a turnover on downs at their own 47-yard line, sealing the Chiefs' victory.

The Chiefs now turn their attention to a highly anticipated Super Bowl rematch against the Eagles on Feb. 9 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.