Infotainment Factory: Legendary NFL coach quits after six Super Bowls

Bill Belichick had a vision of building the kind of sustained championship football team that had rarely been seen before in the NFL when he was hired by the New England Patriots.

And after 24 years at the franchise, he walks away feeling like it was a job well done.

The six-time Super Bowl winner agreed to part ways as the coach of the Patriots on Friday morning (AEDT), ending a lengthy tenure as the architect of the most decorated dynasty of the modern era.

“It’s with so many fond memories and thoughts that I think about the Patriots ... I’ll always be a Patriot," he said.

"I look forward to coming back here. But at this time, we’re going to move on. And I look forward, excited for the future.”

Neither Belichick nor owner Robert Kraft took questions during their media address, instead reflecting on a long-standing partnership.

Belichick appeared in a jacket and tie and spoke first, followed by Kraft. The coach even smiled a couple of times — including when he conceded respect for the media “even though we don’t always see eye to eye" - before putting the onus back on the players

“Players win games in the NFL,” Belichick said.

“I’ve been very, very fortunate to coach some of the greatest players to ever play the game.”

Kraft alluded to their successful relationship a marriage that had required work, but had come to an end.

“I’m very proud that our partnership lasted for 24 years,” he said.

“Bill has taught me a lot over those years, and we had high expectations for what we could achieve together.

"I think we were the only ones who had those expectations, and I think it’s safe to say we exceeded them.”

Belichick, 71, became just the third coach in NFL history to reach 300 career regular-season victories earlier this season, joining Hall of Famers Don Shula and George Halas. With 333 wins including the playoffs, Belichick trails only Shula (347) for the record for victories.

Unfortunately, the struggling Patriots ended this season 4-13, Belichick’s worst record in 29 seasons as an NFL head coach.

Belichick is expected to resume his pursuit of Shula's record with a rival franchise and would bring an incredible CV with him.

With his cutoff hoodies and ever-present scowl, Belichick teamed with quarterback Tom Brady to lead the Patriots to six Super Bowl victories, nine AFC titles and 17 division championships in 19 years.

Reaction to Friday's announcement poured in across social media. It included one from Brady, who responded with three heart emojis to a post on ESPN's Instagram page, which had photos of Belichick and Kraft embracing during the news conference.

It’s not immediately clear who the Patriots will sign to replace the future Hall of Famer, with the likes of Jared Mayo and Mike Vrabel - former players under the Belichik regime - floated as options.

Belichik's time in New England comes to an end with an enviable level of success, as well as plenty of controversy, including two separate cheating scandals during their era of dominance.

But above all else, the coach brought a sustained period of entertaining and exciting football to NFL fans across the globe.