Legendary head coach Bill Belichick has confirmed he will leave the New England Patriots, ending his 24-season reign.

The 71-year-old has been coach since 2000 and has won a record six Super Bowls and been a runner-up three times.

But since Tom Brady left in 2020 they have made the play-offs only once and on Sunday they finished last in the AFC East for the first time in 24 years.

Belichick said his departure was a mutual decision after discussions with Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

“For me this is a day of gratitude and celebration,” Belichick said.

“We had a vision of building a winner, a championship football team, here and it exceeded my wildest dreams and expectations.

“I will always have those great memories and will carry those for the rest of my life.”

At a short news conference, Kraft said: “The man standing to my left brought the leadership and coaching skills that were needed to make this unprecedented success possible.

“He is the greatest coach of all time, which makes this decision to part ways so hard.

“This is a move we mutually agreed was needed at this time.

“What Bill achieved with us will never be replicated.”