North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick responded to New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft’s recent remark regarding hiring him in 1999 as a ‘big risk.’
Kraft, during an appearance on the ‘Dudes on Dudes’ podcast, acknowledged that while hiring Belichick was a significant gamble, it ultimately proved to be the best decision of his ownership tenure. Belichick, in a statement to ESPN, emphasized that taking the head coaching job was a big risk, particularly given the unstable ownership situation with the New York Jets at the time.
The exchange highlights the long-term impact of Kraft’s decision, which led to one of the most successful eras in NFL history. Belichick, who led the Patriots to six Super Bowl titles, also mentioned the internal obstacles he anticipated before accepting the job, which he addressed by restructuring the team’s management.
Despite the challenges, Belichick’s tenure with the Patriots was marked by unprecedented success, including 266 victories and 121 losses. Kraft, while recognizing the risks, expressed appreciation for Bel, and the ongoing significance of his decision in shaping the Patriots’ legacy.