It’s been three long years since the Patriots last won a playoff game. But that doesn’t mean Bill Belichick’s job is anywhere close to being in jeopardy, says a consummate Patriots Insider.
ESPN’s Seth Wickersham, who penned a new epilogue detailing the Patriots’ 2021 season for his book chronicling the rise and fall of their dynasty, said recently the working relationship between Robert Kraft and Belichick remains robust.
“I think it’s professionally, probably as strong as it’s ever been,” he said on Boston Herald Patriots writer Andrew Callahan’s podcast. "Think about all of the ups and downs that those two have been together. At this point, I think it’s the impatience that’s antsy for everybody, and obviously Robert Kraft has been very vocal — stunningly vocal — about his displeasure with the Patriots’ recent drafts, with some of their player development.”
Kraft remarked this offseason it bothers him the Patriots haven’t won a playoff game in three years, and professed his disappointment with their recent drafting record. The Patriots have gone 17-17 in two seasons without Tom Brady, including a 30-point playoff loss to the Bills.
“After my family, there’s nothing more important to me than the New England Patriots and winning football games,” said Kraft at the NFL Meetings. “That’s my passion, so whatever I can do – hopefully in a small way to make that happen – I’m there. I’m not happy that we haven’t won a playoff game in three years. I think about that a lot.”
But even if the Patriots underperform this year, Wickersham can’t envision Kraft forcing Belichick out.
“I have a hard time believing that Bill would ever be forced out, short of a health problem, or something,” he said. “He’s been so valuable to that franchise, that even if he goes five years without a playoff win, he’s earned the right to exit on his own terms.”
But with Belichick now 70 years old, speculation about his coaching future could continue to emerge, especially if the Patriots struggle. With Kraft being 81 himself, they’re both in a race against time.
Brady is ahead in his race against his football mortality. The Patriots need to catch up.
