Robert Kraft explains decision to part ways with HC Bill Belichick after 24 seasons

An admittedly "very emotional day" required a breather before Patriots owner Robert Kraft was ready to field questions on Thursday regarding the departure of head coach Bill Belichick.

A somber, but grateful tone filled the air as Kraft said goodbye to the greatest coach both the Patriots and the NFL have ever seen. Then, it was time for Kraft to explain the decision to part ways with Belichick after 24 seasons.

The main takeaway was rather simple: The Patriots haven't been good enough to justify continuing in the same fashion -- even if that meant moving on from a legendary coach.

"Well, the last three years have been pretty tough, and I know for our dedicated fans and myself, and (in) life I just learn that things happen," Kraft said. "Our family is the custodian of this asset: the New England Patriots. We know how important it is to the psyche of the community and what's gone on here the last three, four years isn't what we want. We have a responsibility to do what we can to fix it to the best of our ability."

That responsibility meant seriously considering moving on from Belichick, a six-time Super Bowl champion coach with the Patriots, and ending an era that lasted 24 years and included the rise of the game's greatest quarterback ever in Tom Brady. As painful as such as decision might have been, Kraft was sure of it, a resolution that came only after he and Belichick spent three days meeting following the conclusion of New England's worst season this century.

Earlier in the week, Belichick met with the New England media and insinuated that he could be open to relinquishing some personnel control if he returned for the 2024 season. Kraft said such an arrangement was considered, but that he felt that was not the right