Bill Belichick explains in an occasionally awkward new interview why there is no mention of Patriots owner Robert Kraft anywhere in his upcoming new book, "The Art of Winning."
The six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach split with Kraft and the Pats after 24 years together in New England after the 2023 NFL season, and the 73-year-old Belichick since has taken a college job as the head coach at North Carolina.
Bill Belichick is pictured during his CBS interview. CBS
Jordon Hudson interjects during Bill Belichick's CBS interview. CBS
"Correct," Belichick said flatly when asked by "CBS Sunday Morning" interviewer Tony Dokoupil if Kraft is not "even in the acknowledgment section" of the book. "He's not [mentioned].
"Well, again, it's about my life lessons in football, and it's really more about the ones that I experienced directly."
Jordon Hudson is pictured during Bill Belichick's CBS interview. CBS
The sides parted ways following back-to-back losing seasons and a 12-22 combined record in 2022-23.
Asked if he felt like he was "treated with dignity and respect when you were let go by Robert Kraft," Belichick responded, "Yeah, well, it was a mutual decision for us to part ways."
Informed that Kraft has since used the word "fired," Belichick repeated, "It was a mutual decision."
Belichick, who wore a tattered and faded Navy sweatshirt during the sit-down interview, also appeared uncomfortable discussing his relationship with 24-year-old girlfriend Jordon Hudson, who he refers to in the book, to be published May 6, as his "creative muse."
"I've never been too worried about what everybody else thinks," Belichick replied. "Just try to do what I feel like is best for me and what's right."
Bill Belichick reacts during his CBS interview. CBS
Jordon Hudson talks with Bill Belichick during his CBS interview. CBS
When Belichick was asked later for details about how the couple met, Hudson interjected from off camera: "He's not talking about this."
Still, Hudson has featured Belichick in multiple recent Instagram posts, including one photo of the legendary coach dressed as a fisherman with her as a mermaid and another in which Belichick is laying on his back and balancing Hudson on his feet.
"Yeah, so I'm on some of those social media platforms, but I honestly don't follow," Belichick said.
Bill Belichick is pictured with Jordon Hudson in an Instagram post. Instagram / @jordon_isabella
Instead, he stressed, he remains focused on his new gig and the release of his new book, which also covers his relationship with his father, Steve, and with former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady .
"I try to capture some of the ups and downs and the preparation and the dealing with star players and the big moments," he said. "My title choice would have been, 'How I Did My Job,' or 'Lessons From My Life In Football,'"
Bill Belichick reacts during his CBS interview. CBS
"I enjoy football. I enjoy the whole process of it. It's hard to win, and it's hard to beat other good coaches, good teams. I appreciate the grind. I appreciate the competition. But coaching's fun, and honestly, I feel like I haven't worked a day in my life."
