(Bloomberg) -- Over the course of his 24-year tenure leading the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick secured his place as one of the NFL’s greatest head coaches, as well as potentially earning over $200 million.

Belichick, 71, who mutually agreed to part ways on Thursday with Patriots owner Robert Kraft, was in the middle of a contract he signed in 2023 worth a reported $25 million per year. The contract ran through at least the end of the 2024 season and made him the highest paid coach in US sports. 

Little is officially known about Belichick’s previous contracts with the Patriots, because Kraft kept the terms a well-kept secret. The coach started in 2000 with a reported $2 million-a-year deal, soon rising to over $7.5 million by 2010, and over $10 million by 2018. 

Belichick, alongside quarterback Tom Brady, dominated the NFL. The two led the Patriots to six Super Bowl wins in nine appearances. The 20-year run from the duo left the Patriots tied for the most Super Bowl wins ever.

As for Belichick, he sits at second place all-time in career wins by an NFL head coach, with 333 including the playoffs. Only the late Don Shula won more, at 347. He holds the record for the most post-season wins, with 31.

Things began to sour in New England after Brady left for Tampa Bay in 2020. The Patriots have missed the playoffs in three of the last four seasons and the Buffalo Bills have claimed the AFC East title in four straight years.

Kraft will now embark on his first head-coaching search in over 20 years. New England’s linebacker coach, Jerod Mayo, is a leading candidate, ESPN reported. 

As for Belichick, ESPN said he has given no indications he will retire, meaning he’ll enter coaching free agency at a time when seven jobs will be available to him. With his resume, Belichick will likely be one of the most sought-after names in this year’s coaching carousel.

©2024 Bloomberg L.P.