Patriots Rumors: Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft Tension Wasn't 'Much Better' in Private

At this point, you'll believe it when you see it regarding Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots ever actively pursuing a separation. Belichick's relationship with team owner Robert Kraft may not be in the best place, though.

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 also reported the general vibes with Belichick and Kraft "weren't much better away from the media in Arizona."

Belichick isn't on the hot seat by any means, but he might be facing the most scrutiny he has experienced since becoming New England's head coach in 2000.

While pivoting out of the Tom Brady era was always going to be difficult, Patriots fans might have expected a little more progress by now. The Patriots have missed the playoffs in two of the last three years, and they haven't done enough to the roster to suggest a big leap is in the cards in 2023.

Brady's departure also meant losing a key figure who could operate as a check on the legendary head coach. Now Belichick is more empowered than ever, which is how you wind up with Matt Patricia as the offensive play-caller.

One could argue the last three years are proof of how Belichick's authoritarian approach doesn't work quite as well when he doesn't have the GOAT quarterback on his roster.

From Kraft's perspective, you don't necessarily want to be known as the NFL owner who fired a six-time Super Bowl champion head coach. To an extent, Jerry Jones hasn't lived down jettisoning Tom Landry even though Landry's replacement, Jimmy Johnson, put the franchise back on a path toward contention.

At 81, Kraft isn't getting any younger, either. As much as Belichick has meant to the Patriots, one can't help but wonder whether a new voice on the sideline would work to everyone's benefit in 2024 if the team's current trajectory doesn't change.