New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick

Bill Belichick is doused after the Patriots beat the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21 in Super Bowl XXXIX on Feb. 6, 2005. It was the Patriots' third Super Bowl victory under Belichick.

DAVID J. PHILLIP | AP
New England quarterback Tom Brady, left, and Belichik embrace after winning the 2004 Super Bowl, and barn-burning 32-29 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Brady and Belichick have become inextricably connected with careers that together have risen to the top.

DAVID J. PHILLIP | AP
Being at the top isn't always smooth sailing as Belichick, left, found when New York Jets coach Rex Ryan took several verbal shots at him last year.

Michael Dwyer | AP
Generally a tough and reluctant interview subject, Belichick has little room to escape while surrounded during Media Day before the Feb. 5 Super Bowl in Indianapolis.

David J. Phillip | AP
Yet, every now and then, Belichick smiles, as he did during this pre-Super Bowl press conference.

Mark Humphrey | AP
Most at home preparing his team, Belichick looks like he's all business during practice in the weerk leading up to his fifth Super Bowl appearance as head coach.

Mark Humphrey | AP
Note for his ability to make in-game adjustments, Belichick talks with quarterback Tom Brady during a 2007 game against the Giants.

Julie Jacobson | AP
As master of his domain, Belichick hones his team for their Super Bowl rematch with the Giants.

Mark Humphrey | AP
Belichick helped get the Patriots to the Super Bowl by leading them to a hard-fought victory over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game on Jan. 22.

Charles Krupa | AP
Belichick has had plenty of reasons to applaud during his 12 seasons with the Patriots (he also coached the Cleveland Browns for five seasons before coming to New England), leading the team to 139 victories, winning seasons in all but his first year and 10 seasons with double-digit victory totals, including a 16-0 record in the 2007 regular season.

Elise Amendola | AP

Considered one of the greatest coaches in NFL history, Bill Belichick leads the New England Patriots to their fifth Super Bowl under his leadership, which includes three victories in the big game. During his tenure, Belichick has emerged as an unquestioned leader, though his methods have led to some questions, including charges of breaking league rules by videotaping opponents on their sideline, an infraction that cost him a $500,000 and the Patriots a draft pick. Regardless of that misstep, he remains at the top of the NFL coaching pyramid.

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