Report reveals Robert Kraft’s stance on Bill Belichick

Oct 10, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick reacts during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

There are many people around the NFL who believe it is a foregone conclusion that the New England Patriots will part ways with Bill Belichick at the end of the season, but that decision reportedly has not been made.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, Patriots owner Robert Kraft “has not come to a firm conclusion” on whether he will try to bring Belichick back in 2024. Kraft wants to see how the team finishes over the final four games, and Rapoport notes that the 82-year-old could even take some time after the season ends to assess the situation.

Longtime Patriots reporter Tom E. Curran suggested on Monday that Kraft decided this would be Belichick’s last season after New England lost 10-6 to the Indianapolis Colts in Germany, which was in Week 10. The Pats have gone 1-2 since then, but the victory came last week on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Patriots host the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium on Sunday. If they find a way to win that game, Kraft could at least draw the conclusion that Belichick has not lost the locker room. That may factor into Kraft’s decision on whether he wants Belichick back.

If Belichick and the Patriots do part ways and the 71-year-old wants to keep coaching, there is one team that many people feel would make sense for him.