Former New England Patriots star Asante Samuel has issued a strong warning to NFL owners considering hiring Bill Belichick. Samuel emphasized that it would be unwise for any team to grant Belichick general manager powers, especially in light of the way things ended in New England.
Key Takeaway
Asante Samuel strongly advises NFL owners against granting Bill Belichick general manager powers, citing the controversial end to his tenure in New England and emphasizing the pivotal role of Tom Brady in the team’s success.
Belichick’s Controversial History with GM Powers
Belichick previously held both the head coach and GM roles for the Patriots during his 24-year tenure in Foxborough. Despite achieving unprecedented success during that time, the situation ultimately took a turn for the worse. Samuel expressed his firm belief that no owner should entertain the idea of granting Belichick such extensive powers again, deeming it “crazy.”
The Role of Tom Brady in New England’s Success
Samuel also attributed New England’s success to Tom Brady, asserting that Brady was the driving force behind the team’s victories. He emphasized the significant impact of one player on the team’s overall success, further reinforcing his stance against Belichick being given GM authority in the future.
Questioning Belichick’s Legacy
Following the revelation of the amicable parting of ways between Belichick and Robert Kraft, Samuel raised questions about Belichick’s coaching legacy. He pondered how a coach of Belichick’s caliber could experience a decline, highlighting the mental aspect of coaching and expressing skepticism about the notion of “falling off” as a coach.
Belichick’s Potential for Success Elsewhere
Despite his reservations, Samuel acknowledged the potential for Belichick to achieve success elsewhere, particularly if he collaborates with Josh McDaniels and works alongside an assertive general manager. He suggested that with the right team dynamics in place, Belichick could thrive in a new environment.
