Bill Belichick responds to whether Robert Kraft has his back amid job status reports
If Bill Belichick is truly coaching for his job, as some reports suggest, then Sunday’s 27-17 loss to the Chiefs puts the Patriots head coach one step closer to parting ways with the organization.
Belichick was asked Monday on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show” if a decision has been made about his future as Patriots head coach. NBC Sports’ Tom Curran reported last week that ownership had decided to part ways with Belichick after they lost to the Colts in Germany back in Week 11. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported this weekend that owner Robert Kraft had not reached a firm conclusion about Belichick’s future and that a strong finish to the season could help him keep his job.
“Nothing’s changed,” Belichick said on WEEI. “I’m going to keep — we’ve got Denver this week. Do all we can to get the team ready to play well against Denver.”
The Patriots now finish the season against the Broncos, Bills and Jets. They’re 3-11 on the season and are currently slated to pick second in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Belichick was asked on the show if he’s frustrated that he can’t say what he wants to say about the various reports about his future with the organization.
“I don’t know. I don’t sit around and listen to talk radio and read stuff every day,” Belichick said. “I’m going to do what I do and that’s get the team ready to play Denver.”
The head coach said, “we have open conversations about everything” when asked if he has to say something to Patriots players about the reports regarding his future as head coach.
Finally, Belichick was asked if he feels like Kraft his has back and if he has the support of the organization.
“Look, I think any questions you have for Mr. Kraft you should ask Mr. Kraft,” Belichick said.
The Patriots are 28-36 since 2020, the team’s first season after starting quarterback Tom Brady departed for the Buccaneers then retired. The Patriots have missed the playoffs in three of the last four years. The Patriots have now matched their losing total from Belichick’s first season with the Patriots when they went 5-11 in 2000.