Robert Kraft reportedly urged Arthur Blank to not hire Bill Belichick as the Falcons HC following his interview with the team

Turns out the reason for Blank’s decision was influenced by none other than Robert Kraft. A report from ESPN’s Don Van Natta Jr., Seth Wickersham, and Jeremy Fowler revealed that Kraft spoke to Blank and told him to “not trust”  Bill Belichick. This reportedly took place right around the time news about him interviewing for the role of the Falcons HC surfaced.

Robert Kraft’s warnings were a big reason Arthur Blank decided to pass on Bill Belichick

Kraft and Blank spoke on two separate occasions as the Falcons were carrying on with their vetting process. A source close to Belichick revealed Kraft’s phone calls formed “a big part” of the team’s decision to opt for Raheem Morris. Kraft reportedly felt “betrayed” by Belichick towards the end of his stint with the Patriots. The tension between them grew after Tom Brady’s departure and it reached a point where they were unable to maintain a working relationship.

It should be noted that a spokesperson for the New England Patriots has said that Kraft vouched for Belichick and urged Blank to hire him.

Robert steadfastly denies saying anything negative to Arthur Blank about Bill Belichick after Robert and Bill mutually agreed to part ways. In fact, Robert advocated for Bill to get the job. Stacey James said on behalf of the team.

The relationship between Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick was beyond repair after the power struggle between him and Brady. When Brady opted to leave the Patriots and proceeded to go to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and win a Super Bowl in the subsequent year, Kraft was not pleased. In fact, his statement concerning Belichick and Brady on the team’s Apple TV+ documentary The Dynasty makes it clear that he was not happy with his long-time head coach and general manager.

Tommy is the greatest in the 100-year history of the game, and I think he represented a threat to Bill's full power. He didn't want Tommy there. Robert Kraft said

Even though Belichick is the undisputed GOAT of NFL coaches, teams across the league remain reluctant to give him another shot. The dismal record of the Patriots after Brady has a big reason to do with that, teams are no longer sure if Belichick is worth the trouble as he has been used to exercising the power of a head coach and a general manager throughout his career. Nevertheless, his time as a head coach is not done, he is expected to take this year off but next year, if there is a lucrative opportunity out there, he could consider taking it.