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Patriots’ Robert Kraft put Bill Belichick in the hot seat

By Sara Marshall

Oct 16, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft shakes hands with head coach Bill Belichick following the win against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft shakes hands with head coach Bill Belichick following the win against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Before the Patriots’ season officially ended last Sunday, the speculation regarding the changes that would take place had already begun.

It is well known that Patriots’ owner Robert Kraft has an annual meeting with Bill Belichick to discuss the team’s performance of the year while also making plans for the future. Although Kraft has said in the past that he has essentially given Belichick free reign when making decisions about the team, this year was much different.

Two weeks before what would be the final game of the season for New England, it was reported by Albert Breer that Kraft had expressed his unhappiness with the team, with most of the displeasure stemming from the apparent struggles of the offensive coaching staff. It was also reported that the billionaire wanted to see significant changes made this offseason, much in line with the fan’s and media’s feelings on the matter.

Because Belichick had repeatedly expressed his support of said offensive coaches, Matt Patricia and Joe Judge, there was a belief that the meeting between the two may not go over smoothly. Since Kraft’s rumored comments about coaching were revealed to the public, it seemed he wouldn’t continue to take a backseat to decisions made by Belichick this offseason. Despite reiterating that point throughout the years, if he was not thrilled with the personnel choices made by the head coach, Breer alluded to Kraft interfering with Belichick’s possible plans in the future.

However, according to Tom E. Curran of NBC Sports Boston, the meeting took place this week and went much better than anticipated.

Before their meeting, Belichick spoke to the media on Monday and made it clear he was aware of the issues the team, especially the offense, had faced this season. He clarified that everything would be evaluated and improvements would be made. This is said to have been a talking point with him and Kraft, and they are reportedly on the same page for the 2023 season.

Curran did mention that the coaching changes are expected to take some time but not to anticipate any big announcement of hiring’s or firings during the process. Belichick is said to be considering several options to add to the staff, and coaching reassignments will take place throughout the offseason.

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