Patriots Coach Bill Belichick Is Done Using Microsoft Surface Tablets

Patriots coach Bill Belichick is “done with tablets,” Belichick told the press this afternoon, according to Fox Sports. There isn’t an issue with Microsoft’s product, but the idea of using touchscreen computers on the sidelines during an NFL game.

“As you probably noticed, I’m done with the tablets,” Belichick said. “They’re just too undependable for me. I’m going to stick with pictures, which several of our other coaches do, as well, because their just isn’t enough consistency in the performance of the tablets. I just can’t take it anymore.” Belichick spoke for about five minutes on how technology often fails him and his staff from the lead-up to games and during the game itself.

Back in 2014, Microsoft struck a deal to supply the NFL with Surface tablets. Since then, many coaches have reported that the tablets go offline in the middle of the games.

The marketing campaign for the Surface tablets has turned into a fiasco, and Belichick isn’t the only coach that isn’t a fan of Microsoft’s system. There’s also a case of players abusing the device, like when Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw his tablet to the ground last year.

In a statement to Business Insider, Microsoft says “We respect Coach Belichick’s decision, but stand behind the reliability of Surface,” the statement reads. “We continue to receive positive feedback on having Surface devices on the sidelines from coaches, players and team personnel across the league. In the instances where sideline issues are reported in NFL games, we work closely with the NFL to quickly address and resolve.”