After parting ways with the New England Patriots, former head coach Bill Belichick had some interesting comments on the possibility of relinquishing personnel control moving forward. This comes after Patriots owner Robert Kraft addressed the issue on Thursday, explaining why it was difficult to consider adjusting Belichick’s role within the organization.
Kraft emphasized the importance of accountability and the challenges that would have come with taking some of Belichick’s power away and giving it to someone else. He pointed out that Belichick had complete control over every decision, and it would have been awkward for someone else to assume some of his duties while he remained as head coach.
Kraft also noted that Belichick’s power grew over time, and possibly regrets not ensuring there was someone who could properly counter Belichick’s power, which eventually became absolute. As long as the team was delivering championship-caliber performances, the arrangement worked well. However, when Belichick began to slip on the personnel side, the coach could no longer make up for those failings.
Kraft stressed the need for checks and balances, but admitted that once Belichick had gained that power, it would have been difficult to pull it away and expect the same level of accountability. It will be interesting to see how much power over the roster Belichick will seek in his next coaching job.
The comments from both Belichick and Kraft shed light on the dynamics of power and control within a successful sports organization, and it raises questions about the future of Belichick’s career as a coach.