In a stunning report, ESPN detailed how New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft played a significant role in the Atlanta Falcons coaching search this past January, ultimately impacting their decision not to hire Bill Belichick.
According to ESPN, Falcons owner Arthur Blank engaged in multiple phone conversations with Kraft following Belichick’s interview on January 15th.
The report stated that Kraft allegedly cautioned Blank against trusting Belichick.
Blank, who considers Kraft his closest friend in ownership circles, was reportedly influenced by Kraft’s words.
The report suggests that Kraft’s influence played a pivotal role in the Falcons decision not to hire Belichick, who was shockingly left without a coaching position after parting ways with the Patriots at the end of the season.
Patriots vice president of communications Stacey James swiftly denied ESPN’s report, asserting that Kraft had advocated for Belichick to secure the job.
James stated, “Robert steadfastly denies saying anything negative to Arthur Blank about Bill Belichick after Robert and Bill mutually agreed to part ways.”
Despite the denial from Kraft’s camp, ESPN stood firmly behind their reporting.
While Kraft reportedly didn’t overtly criticize Belichick to Blank, the report suggested that Kraft conveyed a sense of skepticism about Belichick’s character and trustworthiness.
The report added that Kraft allegedly characterized Belichick as “extremely difficult and obstinate” and questioned his worthiness of trust.
The report also indicated that Kraft and his son, Jonathan, felt “betrayed” by Belichick.
“I don’t think they’d try to hurt Belichick,” ESPN quoted a source. “But I don’t think they’d try to help him either. They weren’t going to try to sink him.”
“He was finished as an effective head coach. Just look at his last four years in New England. A disaster … If you’re Arthur Blank, why do you want the headaches?”
The report also highlighted financial implications, suggesting that had Blank hired Belichick, it would have offset the reported $25 million annual salary owed to Belichick by the Krafts.
Belichick’s contract with the Patriots was reported to run through 2024.
What are your thoughts on the bombshell report?
No matter how Kraft tries to spin this publicly, it’s clear that he and Belichick couldn’t stand each other.
Their “hug” at Belichick’s farewell press conference was just about the most awkward thing of all-time.
You may not like his personality. but it’s hard to argue that Belichick is the greatest coach in NFL history.
Having said that, it ended quite ugly in New England. And as time goes on, things will probably get even uglier.
While on the topic, what’s the single ugliest “divorce” in NFL history???
When and where will we see Belichick back on the sidelines? … Will it be with his “dream” franchise – the New York Giants – come 2025???