Robert Kraft views hiring Bill Belichick in 1999 as the best decision he made for the New England Patriots, despite public skepticism. Kraft surrendered a first-round draft pick for a coach with a losing record, facing criticism in the media. Under Belichick, the Patriots achieved outstanding success, including six Super Bowl titles and numerous division titles over his 24 seasons. Although they enjoyed substantial success together, Kraft acknowledged the difficulties of Belichick's departure after the 2023 season, describing it as a mutual decision but later expressed regret over having to fire him.
"The one that got questioned the most was in '99. I gave up a No. 1 draft pick for a coach who had only won a little over 40 percent of his games."
"Getting Bill Belichick to come to the Patriots in 1999 was a big risk, and I got hammered in the Boston media. But he was with us for 24 years, and we did OK."
"During his 24 seasons as Patriots head coach, Belichick led New England to six Super Bowl championships, nine total appearances in the Super Bowl, 13 AFC Championship Game appearances, and 17 AFC East division titles."
"I kept him for 24 years. I didn't enjoy having to fire him, but I tried to do it in a respectful manner."
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