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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — New England Patriots Owner Robert Kraft took time to address the media on Thursday, after the announcement of Head Coach Bill Belichick leaving the team.
Kraft made the announcement alongside Belichick earlier on Thursday, but came back a few hours later for the media to ask him questions. Although he did mention their search for a new head coach, he said there will be a chance to cover that “in the next few days.”
“It’s a very emotional day for the organization and the end of an era, like I said, that’ll be hard to be replicated I think at least in my lifetime, if ever,” said Kraft.
Kraft said the decisions was mutual and amicable.
“Well, the last three years have been pretty tough and I know for our dedicated fans and myself, and in life I’ve just learned things happen. Our family is the custodian of this asset, the New England Patriots, and we know how important it is to the psyche of the community and what’s gone on here in the last three, four years isn’t what we want, so we have a responsibility to do what we can to fix it to the best of our ability,” said Kraft.
When asked about who deserves more of the credit between former quarterback Tom Brady and Belichick, he credited both.
“I don’t think there’s another other sport or any other experience that’s as much team-based and collective-based as football. I don’t think either one of those two would have accomplished what they have accomplished if they weren’t together. I think they’re both the best at their professions and we were lucky to have them together for two decades,” said Kraft.
Kraft also said trading Belichick was never on the table, despite a potential for draft picks or players.
“Some people might criticize me for not extracting as much value and I understand that, but we just try to do what we think is right for the proper values and ability to operate and try to get people who want to come and feel that we are going to treat them fairly,” said Kraft.
Kraft was also asked if he has had any regrets since the decision was made.
“This is a results business and with certain things in life, it’s instinctual. I think both of u felt that the time was right for each of us to go off in our separate directions,” said Kraft.
Kraft would not give much information on the search for Belichick's replacement, but the focus will be on postseason success.
“We’re looking for someone who can help us get back to the playoff and win. Believe me, after my family, this is really one of the two most important assets in my life and I’m very upset when we don’t win games and it carries for the whole week, so I promise you I’ll be focused to do the best I can do to make sure we’re putting ourselves in the best long-term position to win for many years,” said Kraft.
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