After 24 years and six titles, Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft wanted to end things in an amicable manner.
The legendary head coach and Patriots owner “took the high road” when discussing how to end their historic partnership. According to ESPN.
They mutually agreed to part ways on Thursday. Per NFL Networkthe official announcement will be made at a press conference scheduled for Thursday.
The two sides met earlier this week to discuss their future, and a source told ESPN that “there were no conflicts or disagreements.”
Belichick and Kraft ultimately agreed to a “mutual decision that both parties felt comfortable and comfortable with,” according to ESPN.
The details reportedly include Belichick being released from his contract with one year remaining because he still wants to coach.
Belichick and Kraft reportedly had disagreements during their successful marriage, but it's clear neither of them wanted things to end on a bad note.
Owners and coaches would come into conflict over time, but the duo of Belichick and Kraft, with a lot of help from Tom Brady, were part of one of the greatest dynasties, if not the greatest, in sports history. created.
Belichick compiled a 266-121 record in 24 seasons in New England, with a 30-12 record in the playoffs.
He led the Patriots to nine Super Bowl appearances, their last title coming in the 2018 season when they defeated the Rams.
New England hasn't won in the playoffs since winning the Super Bowl.
Since Brady left in 2020, the Patriots have become just another team.
Belichick went 29-38 in four seasons without Brady, including the worst year of his career last season when the Patriots finished 4-13.
With the Patriots in position to potentially select their franchise quarterback with the No. 3 pick in the upcoming draft, Kraft and Belichick are determined to get a fresh start.
The two reportedly clashed at times over power and roster decisions, especially how to handle Brady's succession plan, but in the end, things didn't work out for Mac Jones. It backfired.
Now Belichick is trying to follow Don Shula's coaching accomplishments in a new city, and Kraft has the unenviable task of replacing perhaps the greatest coach in NFL history.
