The Atlanta Falcons' decision to pass on Bill Belichick during the coach hiring cycle came as a surprise to many, but his former employer might have played a hand in preventing him from getting the job.
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft told Falcons owner Arthur Blank that if he were to hire his former head coach, he was "not to trust Bill," ESPN reported Wednesday. Kraft also told Blank that he'd "never have a warm conversation" with Belichick as he felt "betrayed" by the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach over the final seasons of his 24-year tenure with the Patriots, according to ESPN. Additionally, Kraft believed that Belichick was "extremely difficult" to work with and that the coach was "kind of stubborn" in addition to being "very arrogant" as he viewed the coach was "not worthy of his trust," according to ESPN.
Patriots spokesperson Stacey James denied on Kraft's behalf that he spoke poorly of Belichick to Blank during the hiring process, but might have said some negative things prior to the Falcons' hiring process.
"Robert steadfastly denies saying anything negative to Arthur Blank about Bill Belichick after Robert and Bill mutually agreed to part ways," James told ESPN. "In fact, Robert advocated for Bill to get the job."
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft told Falcons owner Arthur Blank that if he were to hire his former head coach, he was "not to trust Bill," ESPN reported Wednesday. Kraft also told Blank that he'd "never have a warm conversation" with Belichick as he felt "betrayed" by the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach over the final seasons of his 24-year tenure with the Patriots, according to ESPN. Additionally, Kraft believed that Belichick was "extremely difficult" to work with and that the coach was "kind of stubborn" in addition to being "very arrogant" as he viewed the coach was "not worthy of his trust," according to ESPN.
Patriots spokesperson Stacey James denied on Kraft's behalf that he spoke poorly of Belichick to Blank during the hiring process, but might have said some negative things prior to the Falcons' hiring process.
"Robert steadfastly denies saying anything negative to Arthur Blank about Bill Belichick after Robert and Bill mutually agreed to part ways," James told ESPN. "In fact, Robert advocated for Bill to get the job."