Once upon a time, Patriots owner Robert Kraft once reportedly described coach Bill Belichick as an “idiot savant” to a confidant. The relationship between the two has been a topic of discussion ever since Tom Brady exited the franchise to play for the Tampa Bay Bucs and win a Super Bowl in his first season.
Belichick’s personal relationship with the owner may not be in the best place, based on a report.
The MMQB’s Albert Breer reported how a “clear” level of tension existed between the two during the NFL league meetings in Phoenix:
“That said, Belichick did nothing to create a unified front behind Mac Jones (who rankled the coach at times last year with his bedside manner), even hinting that Bailey Zappe would have a chance to win the job from Jones. He was also vague when addressing Kraft’s spending on the roster, which led to the first clarification of the offseason. Kraft, meanwhile, dropped the Meek Mill–Lamar Jackson story on Belichick’s doorstep, saying any pursuit of Jackson would be up to Belichick and voicing, again, his displeasure with the team’s record.”
Breer would soon point out that general vibes with Belichick and Kraft “weren’t much better away from the media in Arizona.” Despite this report, it does not mean Belichick is on the hot seat, but he has been facing the most criticism he has ever dealt with since becoming New England’s head coach in 2000.
The Patriots have qualified for the postseason just once since Tom Brady’s departure. It was always expected to be an uphill battle going from a future hall of fame QB to a younger one with no experience in the league. Mac Jones was good enough to get the team in the playoffs, but took a major step backwards last season.
At 81, Kraft isn’t getting any younger and he clearly wants to keep winning Super Bowls. However, it might take a lot longer than he hopes no matter who he has at coach.
