Bill Belichick didn’t hold back when discussing the challenges of signing free agents in Massachusetts, particularly due to the state’s income tax. The 72-year-old coach, who parted ways with the New England Patriots in January after 24 seasons and six Super Bowl titles, candidly shared his frustrations about the state’s tax laws during a recent appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
Belichick specifically pointed to the state’s four percent surtax on taxable income over $1 million, which was implemented in 2022, as a significant hurdle in contract negotiations. “That’s Taxachusetts,” Belichick quipped, eliciting laughter from Pat McAfee and co-host AJ Hawk. He went on to explain how this tax impacts nearly all players, even those on the practice squad. “Virtually every player, even the minimum players, are pretty close to $1 million. So once you hit the $1 million threshold, you pay more state tax in Massachusetts,” Belichick said. “Just another thing you’ve got to contend with in negotiations up there. It’s not like Tennessee or Florida or Nevada—some of these teams have no state income tax.”
Belichick further elaborated on how the state’s tax structure gives agents leverage during negotiations, putting the Patriots at a disadvantage compared to teams in states with no income tax. “You get hit pretty hard on that with the agents. They’ll come and sledgehammer you down about the tax they’re paying. We don’t get any benefit from that.”
While Belichick’s remarks were met with amusement on the show, not everyone appreciated his blunt assessment. His comments sparked a backlash on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where some users criticized him for shifting the blame. “That’s bulls–t,” one person wrote. “That millionaire’s tax wasn’t enacted when Bill coached most of his career here! He’s just as cheap as Robert [Kraft]! He had a problem with players making big $ no matter who they were! He nickel & dimed [former quarterback, Tom] Brady his entire career in Foxboro!” Another user responded with a string of vomiting emojis, clearly unimpressed with Belichick’s stance.
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The surtax Belichick referenced was approved by Massachusetts voters in 2022, requiring personal income taxpayers to pay an additional four percent on taxable income over $1 million. According to Mass.gov, the surtax threshold for the 2024 tax year will be $1,053,750.
Belichick, who is currently exploring media opportunities for the 2024 season, no longer has to navigate the complexities of recruiting free agents to Foxborough as the Patriots undergo a rebuild under new head coach Jerod Mayo. The Patriots finished the preseason with a 1-2 record and are set to open the 2024 regular season against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 8.
Belichick’s departure from the Patriots followed a disappointing 4-13 season, leading to what was described as a mutual parting of ways between the legendary coach and the team. Despite stepping away from coaching, Belichick, who resides in Massachusetts and owns multiple properties in the state, has indicated that he’s not ready to hang up his coaching hat just yet. In May, he purchased a four-bedroom, four-bathroom home near downtown Nantucket for $4.8 million, as reported by Nantucket Current.
Adding to the media buzz around Belichick, his relationship with 23-year-old Jordon Hudson—a former college cheerleader at Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts—was revealed in June. The pair made headlines when Hudson accompanied Belichick to Tom Brady’s Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Foxborough on June 12.
Belichick’s candid remarks about Massachusetts’ tax laws, coupled with his high-profile personal life, have kept him in the spotlight, even as he transitions from his storied coaching career with the Patriots.
Whether he returns to the sidelines or continues to explore new ventures, Belichick’s impact on the NFL remains undeniable.
