Bill Belichick, Patriots coach, chooses not to revisit Tom Brady's decision with the Buccaneers over with New England. (1:14).
FOXBOROUGH (Mass.) Some might not have expected Tom Brady to lead the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl title in his first season as a Tampa Bay coach. However, Bill Belichick, his former coach, was surprised by his success.
"Tom is a great player. It's not surprising to me that he does," Belichick stated Monday morning.
Belichick is getting ready for Sunday's game against the Brady-led Buccaneers. ET, NBC
This matchup has also raised questions about Brady's decision to leave the Patriots, after spending his first 20 years with them. Belichick answered these questions in his weekly interview on WEEI sports radio on Monday and later in a videoconference with reporters.
"I believe we've gone through all of the dynamics of that. On WEEI, Belichick stated that there were many things. "He considered all options and made his choice. We were not as good as Tampa. He would have to answer that question, but it wasn’t about wanting him.
Robert Kraft, Brady's owner, had also publicly stated their desire for Brady to end his career with the Patriots.
Belichick answered the question, "I'm going back and rehash everything." That's what we've discussed. My focus is really on the game.
"Look, Tom, I have so much respect for you and all that he did for us and for me. We are just getting ready for Tampa and will keep our eyes on that.
Belichick said in a radio interview that he and Tom had a good relationship. He also mentioned that he produced a lot while they were together. I enjoyed coaching Tom, and he was a great player.
