The deterioration of the relationship between New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and former longtime Patriots head coach Bill Belichick reportedly became a topic of conversation within the NFL last season.
According to ESPN's Don Van Natta Jr., Seth Wickersham and Jeremy Fowler, more than a dozen sources with knowledge of the situation said the "bad blood" between Kraft and Belichick was "no secret" around the league.
Belichick served as the Pats' head coach for 24 years and led them to unprecedented success, winning six Super Bowls during that time.
However, Belichick and the Patriots mutually agreed to part ways after going 4-13 last season, and he was replaced by Jerod Mayo.