In a surprising turn of events, it seems that it was Mac Jones, not Tom Brady, who became the focal point of tension between former Patriots coach Bill Belichick and team ownership. Reports suggest that Belichick's assessment of Brady's ability led to owner Robert Kraft's disappointment when Brady went on to win his seventh Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Belichick's decision to draft Alabama quarterback Mac Jones in the next draft raised eyebrows, especially considering the coach's history of relying on defensive and special teams coaches for player development. Despite Jones' impressive rookie season, Belichick's choice of coaching staff for his development proved to be disastrous, as predicted by many.

As the relationship between Belichick and Jones deteriorated, rumors began circulating that the coach had shopped Jones during the offseason. According to the ESPN.com article, Belichick even discussed the possibility of trading Jones with ownership, but they insisted on keeping him. This decision further strained Belichick's already tense relationship with Jones.

Interestingly, Belichick continued to play Jones during the 2023 season, even when many believed he should have been benched. Some speculate that this was Belichick's way of retaliating against Kraft and ownership.

While the full details of the ESPN.com article cannot be confirmed, the impact of Belichick's misjudgment regarding the offensive coaching staff's direction is undeniable. It is believed that this regression in Jones' performance may have played a significant role in Kraft's decision to steer the organization in a new direction.

However, despite the turmoil, Jones remains with the Patriots. He is currently under contract for another year, with a decision looming on his fifth-year option. The post-Belichick Patriots now face the challenge of turning Jones' career around, which, if successful, would serve as a direct response to Belichick's shortcomings.

As the team moves forward without Belichick at the helm, it will be intriguing to see how they handle the development of Jones and what decisions are made regarding his future. The Patriots have the opportunity to prove that they can overcome the discord and guide Jones towards success, possibly sending a strong message back to their former coach in the process.