Robert Kraft regrets giving Bill Belichick so much power for 24 years: “I didn’t enjoy having to fire him”
Robert Kraft revealed his regrets concerning Bill Belichick’s reign in New England which made him decide to fire the head coach.
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Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft (Via Imago/People)
With the departure of legendary Tom Brady, a new era began for the New England Patriots that resulted in back-to-back failures. However this also made owner Robert Kraft realize what needed to be changed and he fired legendary head coach Bill Belichick in early 2024, who had been with the team for more than two decades.
This sudden move by the Patriots came as a shock to everyone, even to Belichick, but Kraft didn’t give any explanations for it, until recently. When Belichick was fired following the disastrous 2023 season, a rift emerged between him and the Patriots owner which finally settled during Brady’s NFL Roast earlier this year in May. Yet the reason behind it remained a mystery.
The 83-year-old finally opened up about the reasons that made him realize that the 72-year-old head coach, who brought six Super Bowl trophies to the team, needed to go. Admitting it wasn’t an easy decision, Kraft shared some of his regrets concerning Belichick’s reign in New England, during his recent interview with The Breakfast Club.
I kept him for 24 years. I didn’t enjoy having to fire him. I tried to do it in a classy way. And what he did for us was great. People need to adapt and if they don’t… things can change. In life, it’s about getting good chemistry and trust… our record the last 3 to 4 years wasn’t what I wanted. And I had given him so much power. He had full control over everything. And shame on me, I should’ve had some checks and balances better.
Robert Kraft said
#Patriots Owner Robert Kraft discussing why he chose to fire Bill Belichick — Kraft regrets giving Belichick so much power without “checks and balances” in place.
— Carlos Talks Pats (@LosTalksPats) October 14, 2024
“I kept him for 24 years. I didn’t enjoy having to fire him… I tried to do it in a classy way. And what he did for… pic.twitter.com/rFguq0Ccrw
The Billionaire owner further clarified that the legendary head coach earned the right to dominate within the organization because of the six Super Bowl trophies. But, when his methods showed no results, Kraft knew it was time to part ways.
Bill Belichick has found new home in broadcasting following departure from Patriots
After he departed from the Patriots, Belichick didn’t receive any other coaching positions in the NFL, let alone a head coach one. Although he came close once or twice, it didn’t work out in the end. That’s why, he changed the stream and ended the world of broadcasting.
The first media gig he landed was with the Pat McAfee show for the NFL 2024 Draft coverage. Now, he is making appearances on the show and will continue doing so throughout the season. He also joined the CW Network show as an analyst for the “Inside the NFL” show.
Additionally, the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach is also making appearances on the popular Manning Cast hosted by the legendary Manning brothers: Peyton and Eli Manning. It remains a question when he will return to the world of coaching, until then he seems to be enjoying his second act.
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Pratyusha Srivastava
(2155 Articles Published)