The Maxwell CaldwellNew England Patriots are denying a report that the team and owner Robert Kraft dissuaded Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank from hiring Bill Belichick for the team's previously open head coaching vacancy.

In a lengthy article published Wednesday, one day after Belichick's 72nd birthday, ESPN detailed the end of Belichick's relationship with Kraft and the Patriots brain trust, culminating with the decision in January for both the mutually part ways. According to ESPN, citing anonymous sources, Blank held two phone conversations with Kraft in January about Belichick's potential fit as Atlanta's head coach, once Belichick became available as a head coaching candidate for the first time in more than two decades.

ESPN reported that Kraft "delivered a stark assessment" of Belichick's character and also reported that Kraft called Blank, warning him not to trust Belichick.

The Falcons would go on to hire Raheem Morris as head coach, even after completing two interviews with Belichick. ESPN cited an unnamed person close to Belichick as saying that Kraft "was a big part" of the Falcons passing on hiring Belichick.

Elaborating on that point, ESPN reported that Kraft told Blank he would "never have a warm conversation with" Belichick, in a reference to the coach's blunt and gruff demeanor.

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In a response to ESPN and its reporting, Patriots spokesman Stacey James strongly denied the accusation that Kraft did anything to prevent Belichick from being hired.

"Robert steadfastly denies saying anything negative to Arthur Blank about Bill Belichick after Robert and Bill mutually agreed to part ways," James told ESPN. "In fact, Robert advocated for Bill to get the job."

Belichick is largely considered to be the best NFL coach in the modern era. A six-time Super Bowl champion, Belichick is a three-time AP Coach of the Year and has compiled a 302-165 (.647) record over his 29 seasons as a head coach, 24 of which were with the Patriots.