The relationship between Bill Belichick and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft remains a mystery, as Belichick’s new book “The Art of Winning” does not mention Kraft at all. Despite the book’s 289 pages detailing Belichick’s 24 seasons with the Patriots, there is no mention of Kraft or the infamous decision not to play Malcolm Butler in the 2018 Super Bowl. While there may be a passing reference to Kraft in the book, the omission of his name suggests that the Belichick-Kraft feud is real, according to Boston Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy.
Belichick, who won six Super Bowls with the Patriots during his tenure, had a highly-publicized exit from the team that was said to be a mutual decision. The strained relationship between Belichick and former quarterback Tom Brady has also been well-documented since Brady’s departure from the team in 2019. Despite rumors of beef between the two, Belichick attended Brady’s Patriots Hall of Fame ceremony and appeared at his roast on Netflix. However, in his book, Belichick expressed gratitude to his girlfriend, Malcolm Butler, and 361 others — but did not mention Kraft.
After leaving the Patriots, Belichick joined the University of North Carolina in December, taking on a coaching role after being passed over by several NFL teams in the head coach hiring cycle. Despite reportedly checking in on potential NFL positions for the upcoming season, Belichick ultimately landed in Chapel Hill. The exact nature of Belichick’s relationship with Kraft, as well as his future plans in coaching, remain unclear as he embarks on this new chapter in his career.
The absence of any mention of Robert Kraft in Bill Belichick’s new book suggests that there may be ongoing tension between the two figures. Belichick’s refusal to address the controversy surrounding Malcolm Butler’s absence in the 2018 Super Bowl further fuels speculation about the strained relationship. Despite their successful history together, the true nature of their partnership remains a mystery, leaving fans and analysts to speculate on the inner workings of the Patriots organization.
As Belichick continues his coaching career at the University of North Carolina, questions about his future in football persist. His willingness to pursue potential NFL coaching positions in the past suggests that he may still have aspirations of returning to the professional ranks. However, his decision to join UNC indicates a willingness to explore new opportunities and challenges outside of the NFL. Whatever the future holds for Belichick, his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in football history is secure, even as questions linger about his relationships with key figures in the sport.
In the absence of concrete information about the Belichick-Kraft relationship, fans and analysts will continue to speculate about the dynamics between these two influential figures in the football world. Whether their feud is genuine or simply a matter of private disagreements remains uncertain, but the lack of public acknowledgment in Belichick’s book suggests that there may be unresolved issues between them. As Belichick moves forward in his coaching career, his interactions with Kraft and other key figures in the sport will likely remain a topic of interest and speculation for years to come.
