The New England Patriots have ended two of the past three NFL seasons with a negative record. The once seemingly untouchable head coach Bill Belichick no longer seems to be completely uncontroversial – also because a clear commitment by owner Robert Kraft is missing.

The New England Patriots have ended two of the past three NFL seasons with a negative record. The once untouchable head coach Bill Belichick now seems to be no longer fully uncontroversial.

Now Belichick did not even get the full backing of his own ranks.

Robert Kraft: “It’s all about making the playoffs “

At a press conference in Arizona earlier this week, Patriots owner Robert Kraft was asked if Belichick’s job was in jeopardy if he didn’t make the playoffs again or if he was with the Patriots to break Don Shula’s record of 328 regular-season wins.

“I would like him to break Shula’s record, but we’re not about breaking any records,” Kraft replied after a brief pause. “We’re about winning and hopefully making the playoffs again next year. “

Bill Belichick 30 wins short of record

Even so, it wouldn’t be an easy feat for Belichick: The head coach is still 30 wins short of catching Shula in the regular season. In the 2023 season alone, that would be impossible.

But Belichick put himself and the Patriots in a critical position last season after hiring former defensive coordinator Matt Patricia as an offensive playcaller.

Robert Kraft: Patricia was “not the right guy “

“I think he (Matt Patricia) was put in a tough spot,” Kraft said of Belichick’s decision. “And I think it was kind of an experiment. But I also think he wasn’t the right guy for it.”

Belichick has to take that “misstep” on the chin. There is therefore a certain amount of pressure on the six-time Super Bowl winner – also because there was no clear commitment from Kraft.