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Agree, as it relates to the business aspects (i.e. cap space cash flow, staffing payroll, operational budgets, etc.) Bill would need to present a plan. However, we're talking about the OC position plan. Kraft has said in the past that he doesn't get involved in those decisions and leaves those to Bill. Obviously, the salary of the OC would be part of the annual business operations presentation that would require Kraft's approval. Unless, they establish an annual budget as a % of say the yearly cap. For example, 15% of the yearly cap goes to coaches salaries. Then as long as Bill stays within the budget, there wouldn't be much to report.
So again:
1. Kraft doesn't get involved in Bill's staffing decisions;
2. Bill stays within the budget;
3. Bill informs Kraft of his staffing decisions: Bob I'm going to replace McDaniels/Lombardi with a combination of Patricia & Judge. I believe these guys are qualified to do the job. I've known these guys for a long time. I'll be hands on to make sure they accomplish our goals for a successful season.
4. Kraft says, OK Bill if that's what you think is best.
Not sure what other type of answer you're looking for.
The other version being peddled is:
1. & 2. The same
3. Bill informs Kraft of his staffing decisions: Bob I'm going to temporarily replace McDaniels/Lombardi with a combination of Patricia & Judge. They are not the guys. The guy is BoB but I'm going to let him finish his contract w/ Saban so I don't piss him off. I believe these guys are qualified to do the job. I've known these guys for a long time. I'll be hands on to make sure they accomplish our goals for a successful season. Then we can hire BoB in '23.
4. Kraft thinks about this patch work plan and says: well Bill are you sure these guys can get it done? I don't want to waste a season just waiting for BoB.
To me, the first scenario sounds positive and final. The 2nd one sounds negative and half-ass. I would question the so called bridge plan immediately. It would open Bill to questions like: isn't there someone else we can get w/ more experience? Or, what if BoB changes his mind or gets offered a HC position w/ another team?
Great answer. Thanks for putting yourself out there when others run and hide.
Remember when Kraft stated that he had to arrange the cash flow strategy in 2021 to support BB's plan to sign so many FAs? Remember Kraft talking about the amount of cash required for that 2021 FA splurge and that he made arrangements for that cash outflow (I forget the exact quote but I am sure you get my point). So in considering the 2022 discussion like you have done above, and not forgetting that we have known facts about the outcome from the 2021 discussion where Kraft acknowledged that BB put a detailed plan in front of Kraft, including the FA singings, and budget required, it is not possible that the 2022 proposal was vague and non descript. Kraft supported the 2021 plan and had to scramble to financially support the FA signings, and there is no reason to believe that the plan put in front of Kraft for 2022 was any less detailed than the 2021 plan. Additionally all Kraft companies, and there are many Kraft companies, have to submit and present detailed yearly business strategies and budgets for approval, so Kraft acting in the same way with BB and the Patriots is to be expected.
Recognizing the above, to think the Kraft does not get involved in BB's OC and DC decisions is a stretch in my opinion. If I was Kraft, would I care who is the assistant o-line coach or the secondary coach? Probably not. But I would definitely be involved in who is the head coach, offensive and defensive coordinators. I believe it was widely reported that when McDaniels was going to leave for the Colts, Kraft was instrumental in keeping him in New England. So to say that Kraft does not get involved in BB's staffing decisions is a Yes and No. Agreed on #2, BB has to stay within the budget. So a Maybe on #1, and a Yes on #2. As far as #3 and #4 that Kraft gave BB a blank check to appoint anyone he liked and that his strategy was not scrutinized is LOL funny. Kraft has stated that he is actively involved in the year to year strategy and funding decisions, like the FA strategy in 2021 and retaining McDaniels, and you think Kraft was absent in the 2022 decision making? You propose that Kraft said, "Yeah just go with your gut, I love Matt and Joe, there are no red flags here, and you (BB) must be right". Talk about hard to believe. Also remember Kraft thought Brady was coming to visit to sign with the him to sign back in 2020, and Brady stiffed them and left for Tampa? Again, Kraft was deeply involved in that detailed personnel decision.
The 2nd scenario does sound half-ass because it is. And it turned out to be worse than half-ass, it turned out to be full-ass (which can ironically be a good thing, or so Kontra tells me - I would not know unless it is Asian). And even worse than that, it is most likely (shockingly) the outline of the actual plan presented to Kraft and approved by Kraft. I would suggest, which is not dissimilar from your suggestions and outlined like your proposal for clarity:
1. BB states that J McDaniels left. Mayo and Steven are holding down the defensive coaching and that side of the ball is going well. BB wants to continue to see Steve grow and that he sees Mayo as a future HC. But on the offensive side, the team has to deal with McDaniels leaving.
2. Two options are available on the offensive side of the ball. One hire a new offensive coordinator like years past, or BB has talked to BOB and Nick Saban, and BOB will be available in 2023. Unfortunately if we want to hire BOB in 2023 we have to have a "bridge" or "transitional" year in 2022.
3. The budget for 1. hiring a new OC or 2. a transitional year are presented. Since Patricia and Judge are still being paid by the Lions and Giants, the transitional year budget is $10M+ less expensive.
4. BB and Kraft talk about bridging and saving $10M+ while waiting for BOB. BB is convinced that the offensive playbook can be simplified which will help Mac, and though not ideal, the offensive playbook has to be simplified eventually since Mac is not Brady. Probably true even with BOB back.
5. Kraft has a condo to buy in FL for his new bride (let's not forget the first sugar baby ended up having a baby with another guy who is still unnamed (wowsa wowsa), and Kraft's strip mall Asian friends who I am very sympathetic to), so Kraft likes saving $10M to $20M with the BB transitional plan. Obviously with the sugar baby and strip mall experiences, Kraft has not demonstrated a great ability to discern low risk, high reward situations .
6. Kraft differs to BB to appoint Judge and Patricia as interim OCs. It turns out to be not only the worse decision of BB's career, but also BB's other mistakes are not even close.
That is how I see the discussion happening.