It has been a brutal season for Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. After dropping their game in Frankfort, Germany to the Indianapolis Colts by a 10-6 margin, the Pats have fallen to 2-8 and own the worst record in the AFC.

The head coach lamented his team's performance after the loss to the Colts. “Obviously it was a disappointing game. Similar theme that we’ve had to other games this year,” Belichick said.

As the losses have mounted, rumors of Belichick's eventual firing have grown louder and more frequent. He remains in the employ of the New England Patriots, but his departure could come at any point if the rumors are accurate.

Belichick would almost certainly prefer to get fired rather than get “traded” to a team that wants his services. If Belichick were to get relieved of his duties, he could move on to a new team without any impediment. However, if he was traded to another team, that team would have to offer the Patriots some form of compensations.

According to published reports, Belichick would not want that because he would not want to weaken his new team at the expense of strengthening New England.

Belichick, 71, would like to become the winningest NFL coach of all-time. He has won 300 regular-season  games in his head coaching career, and he is attempting to chase down Don Shula, who won 328 regular-season games in his long career.

Bill Belichick has led the Patriots to 6 Super Bowl victories, but they have struggled badly in recent seasons. The Patriots are on their way to missing the playoffs for the 3rd time in the last 4 years.