Tom Brady Sr. spoke to the Boston Herald after his son advanced to the Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this past weekend.

Brady Sr. noted that his son received a congratulatory message from New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

"Robert's been a spectacular owner for 25 years. He is sincere in his feelings for Tommy when he expresses his feelings, and it's vice versa," the elder Brady said. "Tommy feels the same way with Robert Kraft. He has an extraordinarily close relationship with him. I know Robert is rooting for Tommy right now. As I know Jonathan, Danny and the whole family. There's no question about that."

He notably omitted Bill Belichick. When asked, Brady Sr. speculated about his son's former coach.

"I'm guessing he's on a little bit of a hot seat right now," Brady Sr. said.

Matt Patricia is returning to the coaching staff of the New England Patriots.

Patricia had been an assistant on Bill Belichick's staff from 2004 to 2017 before being hired by the Detroit Lions as head coach. Patricia had a 13-29-1 record while with the Lions.

Patricia had most recently served as the Patriots' defensive coordinator from 2012 to 2017, and in his absence, Belichick hasn't given that title to another coach. Steve Belichick called the defense in 2020.

Bill Belichick announced he will not "move forward" with the Presidential Medal of Freedom that Donald Trump planned to present to him on Thursday.

Belichick explained his decision in a statement.

"Recently I was offered the opportunity to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which I was flattered by out of respect for what the honor represents and admiration for prior recipients. Subsequently, the tragic events of last week occurred and the decision has been made not to move forward with the award.

"Above all, I am an American citizen with great reverence for our nation's values, freedom and democracy. I know I also represent my family and the New England Patriots team. One of the most rewarding things in my professional career took place in 2020 when, through the great leadership within our team, conversations about social justice, equality and human rights moved to the forefront and became actions.

"Continuing those efforts while remaining true to the people, team and country I love outweigh the benefits of any individual award."

The honor for Belichick comes as the U.S. House of Representatives is increasing pressure to force Trump from office before the end of his term on Jan. 20, after Trump incited a mob that attacked the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday while Congress was in the process of confirming Joe Biden as his successor.

Donald Trump plans to award Bill Belichick the Presidential Medal of Freedom this week, according to multiple reports.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom was established by John F. Kennedy in 1963, and it is awarded by the president to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the security of national interests of America, to world peace or to cultural of other significant public or private endeavors.

Belichick, 68, just concluded his 46th season in the NFL and 21st as Patriots coach. He has led the Patriots to six Super Bowl championships.

After Sunday's game Bill Belichick bristled when asked about a report that Cam Newton wouldn't return to the New England Patriots next season.

Belichick had the following exchange with a reporter.

Question: There was a report on ESPN today there's an understanding between you and Cam Newton that you'll be going in different directions this offseason. Is there an understanding this was Cam's final game?

Answer: Is that another one of your anonymous reports?

Question: That was from Adam Schefter this morning.

Answer: I don't think that's what Adam said. You should talk to Adam about that then. Great question, thank you.

Newton separately was asked, without reference to the report, whether he anticipates returning.

"Listen, I have my desires," Newton said. "I know where my heart's at. I know the things, who I am. But as far as that, I can't really speak on it right now. But just my whole time here in New England has been a blessing. I've learned so much about myself, about great teammates, unbelievable coaching. Yeah, so I just see how it goes . ... from there."