Patriots owner Robert Kraft thanks Bill Belichick in announcing mutual parting of ways

FOXBORO — Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick delivered separate statements over a 10-minute press conference announcing a mutual parting of ways Thursday at Gillette Stadium.

Belichick’s tenure in New England ends after 24 years, six Super Bowl titles and nine Super Bowl appearances. Under Belichick, the Patriots became the NFL’s premier franchise and experienced unprecedented success. Kraft thanked Belichick for his time and service in an extended goodbye.

Kraft’s full statement is below.

“Good afternoon, everyone. And as Bill (Belichick) mentioned, yesterday we met and mutually agreed to part ways amicably. And like a good marriage, a successful head coach-owner relationship requires a lot of hard work. And I’m very proud our partnership lasted for 24 years. I don’t think in the NFL there’s been any other partnership that lasted longer, and has been as productive as ours.

“I trusted my instincts to bring Bill back to New England in 2000 after immediately regretting not hiring him after working with him together in 1996. When I did hire him, I was still making the transition from the fan who bought season tickets in ’71, sitting on the metal benches in the old Foxboro Stadium with my boys, to try to become an experienced owner. Bill taught me a lot over those years, and we had high expectations for what we could achieve together. I think we were the only ones who had those expectations, and I think it’s safe to say we exceeded them — thanks to you.

What’s next for Patriots, Bill Belichick after parting ways?

"It's hard to put into words, really, when I think back to sitting on those metal benches; that we'd have an opportunity to go to 10 Super Bowls together and bring six Lombardi trophies home to Massachusetts. At heart, I will always be a sentimental sports fan, so this is a very emotional day for me. Some of my happiest and most memorable moments were celebrated with my family during Bill's tenure here. I recognize that it also is a very emotional day for many of our fans -- and most of our fans -- as it represents the end of an era, one that hopefully will always be celebrated in this region.

"The man standing to my left brought the leadership and coaching skills that were needed to make this type of unprecedented success, that we have had, possible. Coach Belichick will forever be celebrated as a legendary sports icon here in New England, and I believe go in as a Pro Football Hall of Famer on the first ballot. Why? Because he is the greatest coach of all time. Which makes this decision to part ways so hard.

"But this is a move that we mutually agreed that is needed at this time. What Bill accomplished with us, in my opinion, will never be replicated. And the fact that it was done in the salary cap and free agency era makes it even more extraordinary. I thank coach Bill for his hard work and dedication. It'll be difficult to see him in a cut-off hoodie on the (opposing) sideline, but I will always continue to wish him continued success -- except when he's playing our beloved Patriots. So I thank you all for coming here today, and being part of this celebration."

Belichick and Kraft did not take questions during the press conference. Kraft is expected to speak later Thursday afternoon.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/EZk26zG