Why did 2019 mark the start of issues boiling over with Belichick, though the Patriots went 12-4 and gained the AFC East? Based on Curran, the falling out stemmed from negotiations with then-quarterback Tom Brady, who believed he’d obtain a two-year, $50M extension the next offseason and the way they have been dealt with.
Curran revealed that Belichick knew the phrases of the deal Brady was searching for and was conscious that the now-45-year-old would go away in free company if he did not obtain that contract. Nonetheless, New England solely supplied its longtime signal-caller a two-year take care of a staff choice.
Whereas Belichick satisfied Kraft it was the precise resolution to let Brady stroll, the outcomes proved in any other case. The Patriots are 25-25 since Brady went to Tampa Bay, together with two sub-.500 seasons and one journey to the playoffs, the place they have been outclassed by division rival Buffalo, shedding 47-17.
Though Belichick made strides to improve his employees and roster this offseason, Curran famous that if the Patriots repeat final season’s poor efficiency, a training change could be so as. The insider talked about Patriots inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo as Belichick’s potential substitute, as he has lengthy been linked to being the 71-year-old’s successor.
“If they give the impression of being disorganized, dysfunctional and self-discipline’s out the window,” Curran stated. ‘Then they could say, ‘That was an excellent run, however are you able to go upstairs and simply watch Jerod coach subsequent 12 months?'”
Sadly for the Patriots, this season could be simply as difficult as any of the post-Brady years, with the staff boasting the third-most troublesome schedule, per NFL Research.
Even so, Curran believes that Kraft seems to be altering his place concerning his March feedback about anticipating the staff to be a contender in 2023. However regardless, there’ll nonetheless need to be some optimistic outcomes to construct upon for 2024 if the Patriots fail to succeed in the postseason.
It could absolutely be an uncomfortable scenario to chop ties with arguably the best coach of all time, however Curran speculates that there is one doable method to keep away from controversy. As Belichick stands 19 wins from surpassing Don Shula for probably the most victories in league historical past, Curran suggests acquiring the file would make it simpler for sides to maneuver on.
Contemplating how inconceivable it might be for Belichick to perform the feat in 2023, the Patriots may need to attend out hiring their subsequent coach for some time. However, after failing to signal DeAndre Hopkins, it would not be surprising to see the rift between the legendary coach and staff brass intensify, notably if the offense continues to wrestle.
