I've wondered in the past why so many NFL franchises struggle. There are only 32 general manager jobs to be had; you'd think in a matter of a few years all of those jobs would be filled with competent employees. Granted, based on performance it appears to be a difficult job but how large is the applicant pool for those 32 jobs? Hundreds? Thousands? I'd say the same about head coaching positions. And yet, that is definitely not a happening thing. How many consistently good NFL franchises are there? I'm going to say six; Patriots, Steelers, Ravens, Broncos, Packers, Seahawks. Maybe you have another franchise or two you'd add to the list. The Chiefs lately? The Giants maybe? The point is that you're not coming anywhere close to naming even half of the league as consistently good.
I've also noted previously that context of relative mediocrity is the key to New England's success on the field. They've won most games - organizationally - before the football leaves the tee.
The Patriots are the blueprint. Eight consecutive divisional crowns, six Super Bowl appearances over fifteen years with four wins. So, why don't other teams just ask, "What would Bill do?"
