Pretty much everyone who watches the NFL, knows the Bill Belichik scowl. The man rarely smiles during a game, even after a Brady 60 yard touchdown and he snubs shaking hands with other coaches. Let’s face it; he’s not a particularly likable guy. I asked about twenty friends who are not from or do not live in New England what their opinion of Belichik is and I got some rather comical, yet predictable, responses. “Grumpy loser.” “Not quite Lombardi but still great.” “Overrated A-hole- yet still an above average coach.” “Unnecessarily cocky.” “Not classy. But I guess his job is to win and not to be liked”. Some continued, “A mix between super genius and A-hole.” “Genius? No. But he’s obviously done something right.” “Always liked him since his days with the Giants.” “Genius. Plays competitors regardless of injuries, he doesn’t put up with crap.” And I had to throw in these gems, “I don’t care, but I generally like the Pats.” “I love Welker and Brady needs a haircut.” Yes- that last one was from a 26 year old man, not a 13 year old girl.

The fact of the matter is that my Indianapolis friend is right- his job is to win, not to be liked- and he has done that job better than almost anyone for the past decade. Cowher & Dungy are up there. But not many people know Belichik’s story and what makes him so dynamic and knowledgeable. His father played for Detroit, and when Bill was young his father was the assistant coach for the US Naval Academy. While other 6 year olds would have been playing kick the can with neighborhood kids, Bill studied the team, the plays, films, and even wrote up plays for his father. He played football in high school and college and immediately started as assistant to a head coach the year he graduated college. After 25 years of experience as a defensive coordinator, special teams coach, and assistant head coach, Kraft chose him to lead the Patriots in 2000. And we know the story from there- the only head coach to ever win 3 Superbowls in 4 years, 4 AFC Championships, the only head coach with a 16-0 season, and more wins within the first ten seasons with a team than any other head coach. Whether one wants to admit it or not, the man is a coaching genius. He knows the game, he knows his players, and he knows how to win. So if that scowl means another Superbowl, we’ll take it.