The New England Patriots dynasty, a massive powerhouse that dominated the NFL for over 20 years, finally came to an end when Bill Belichick and the team parted ways ahead of the 2024 season.
Faced with the team’s recent struggles, including a dismal 4-13 record in 2023, owner Robert Kraft felt forced to make a change despite Belichick’s legendary status and six Super Bowl victories.
In a candid interview on iHeartRadio’s The Breakfast Club, Kraft opened up about the difficult decision to let Belichick go.
“I had him for 24 years. I didn’t enjoy firing him,” Kraft admitted. “I tried to make it classy. And what he did for us was great. People have to adapt or… Things can change.”
#patriot We discuss why owner Robert Kraft chose to fire Bill Belichick. Kraft regrets giving Belichick too much power without “checks and balances.”
“I had him for 24 years. I wasn’t happy about firing him… I tried to handle it gracefully. And what did he do… pic.twitter.com/rFguq0Ccrw
— Carlos Talks Pats (@LosTalksPats) October 14, 2024
For 24 years, the Patriots have been a force to be reckoned with, boasting an impressive 267-94 record.
However, in the post-Brady era from 2020 to 2023, the team showed a sharp decline, falling to 29 wins and 38 losses and losing three seasons in just four years.
Kraft also acknowledged his role in the team’s downturn, saying, “It’s important to have good chemistry and trust in life… Our record over the last three or four years has not been what I wanted. And I gave him so much power. He had complete control over everything. And it’s a shame, but we should have maintained some checks and balances.”
The Patriots’ owner, known for his competitive spirit, emphasized that success in sports is dichotomous: win or lose, and defeat is especially difficult for him to accept.
Now, as the Patriots attempt to rebuild, the results remain disappointing. Six weeks into the season, the team is struggling to a 1-5 record and facing numerous challenges.
The offensive line was inconsistent, the defense faltered against the Houston Texans, and rookie quarterback Maye was called into action earlier than expected.
Rebuilding takes time, but it’s clear Kraft believes a new approach is needed to usher in a new era of football in Foxborough.
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