In a bombshell revelation, allegations have surfaced that Patriots owner Robert Kraft may have sabotaged Bill Belichick’s potential head coaching gig with the Washington Commanders. A pivotal phone call between Kraft and the Commanders’ leadership could have derailed Belichick’s chances of taking over the nation’s capital.

Did the Patriots’ godfather aim to block his former protege from a potential rebound, or was it simply an owner offering candid insights? The drama unfolds as we peel back the curtain on this unfolding saga…

According to ESPN writer Seth Wickersham on the Weekend Show Podcast, there was no chance Bill Belichick was getting hired by the Washington Commanders. Wickersham stated, “We report the Josh Harris told people in mid-December that he there was no way that he was hiring Belichick. He too spoke to Robert Kraft.” This revelation raises eyebrows from all around.

The situation gets even more interesting when you look at Belichick’s interest in the Commander’s job. Wickersham said, “I think there was no question that Bill was really interested in that job, but it never materialized in any sort of official way.” It seems Belichick was eager for that gig, but the Commanders just weren’t feeling it, perhaps swayed by Kraft’s insights during that alleged conversation with Harris.

So what was the deal-breaker for Washington? Well, Wickersham provided some insight, saying “If you look at Josh Harris, his teams, they are GM centric, the head coach reports to the GM. Now, I don’t think that Belichick wanted total control or total authority, but like I think that he would have wanted to report to an owner.” The Commanders’ structure may have been a roadblock for the legendary coach who thrived with outlying authority in New England.

As the ESPN article states, “Owners have evolved in the 28 years since Belichick last hustled for a job. Belichick’s brand of dual GM/head coach leadership has not fallen completely out of favor in the NFL.” This shift in organizational philosophies seemingly worked against Belichick landing the Commander’s role, perhaps exacerbated by any reservations Kraft may have shared with Harris.

Is Kraft on a vengeance run?

The saga doesn’t end with Belichick’s Commanders’ snub. Whispers have also emerged that Kraft’s influence may have extended beyond Washington, with Wickersham speculating he ensured Belichick’s name landed on the Atlanta Falcons‘ blacklist as well. If true, it suggests a concerted effort by Kraft to block his former protege from landing another NFL head coaching gig.

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The ESPN article paints the picture of a deteriorating relationship: “The bad blood between Kraft and Belichick was no secret around the league, according to more than a dozen sources…Both Kraft and Belichick declined to comment for this story.” It cites a source saying “Kraft found Bill to be extremely difficult and obstinate…and, in the end, not worthy of his trust. And also very, very, very arrogant.”

This aligns with Wickersham’s view that “Kraft delivered a stark assessment of Belichick’s character” in conversations with Falcons owner Arthur Blank. As Wickersham bluntly stated, the source quoted Kraft as saying “Robert called Arthur to warn him not to trust Bill.” Such a damning portrayal from a once-trusted ally may have torpedoed Belichick’s Falcons chances.

The article suggests Kraft’s motivations were layered: “If Bill goes on to have success and Tom already had success, then who does [Kraft] have to blame?” With Belichick’s philosophy now seemingly antiquated to modern owners, the “damaged” Patriot Way potentially threatened Kraft’s legacy. A former Patriots assistant coach mused, “The Patriot Way is damaged.”