I just don't understand why Belechick is so much better than other head coaches. What's his secret?
He had has books written about him. For one, Patriot Reign, written by a Michael Holley, the writer was given access to Belechick, his assistants and players for 2 years. He probably was limited as to what he could write but the blurb I read about the book says it provides insights into how Belichick and his coaching cabinet prepare for opponents, evaluate talent, run the draft, and design their offensive and defensive schemes.
You'd think other coaches would read this book to find out how he does it and copy him but there's nobody close to his level. You would think his assistants that got head coaching positions elsewhere could copy his system and be successful but their track record has not been good. You'd expect players that played for him and went to other teams could share some insights with new coaches and teammates towards success but there hasn't been much evidence of that.
I know many will respond to this that it's all because Brady is his QB. Well, Brady was injured in the first half of the first game of the 2008 season and, although they didn't make the playoffs, Belechick led that team to a 10-6 record with freakin' Matt Cassell at QB. Cassell, as we know, has gone on to play for a few other teams with limited success.
Belechick and the Pats have frequently brought in players that were "cancers" on other teams (Corey Dillon, Randy Moss) and helped them have All-Pro seasons. He's gotten rid of talented players that perhaps didn't fit his team and continues to win. This year he lost one of the All-Time great tight ends to injury but just won the damn Super Bowl.
As with many here on TBD, I hate Belechick and Brady but, as our Bills have just hired their 8th coach since the last time they made the playoffs in 1999, I wish Belechick was our coach.