Two men have dominated the top roles in the New York Jets-New England Patriots rivalry: Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. Both individuals hopped on the scene the same year to force a once-average rivalry into a fierce, hatred-filled narrative from a variety of angles.
Bill Parcells really kicked the entire thing into high gear. His exit from New England (after a Super Bowl appearance) rubbed Robert Kraft the wrong way. Relenting compensation to sign the man, the Jets did whatever was necessary to snag their man in 1997.
Belichick was hired as the head coach (in name only), Parcells eventually took control and the 4-28 Rich Kotite-led Jets quickly transformed into a contender.