CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The University of North Carolina’s search for a new football head coach has taken a dramatic turn, with multiple reports indicating that legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick could soon be taking the reins in Chapel Hill.
Latest Updates
- Dec. 11, 5:33 p.m.: CBS Sports has reported that Belichick will indeed become UNC’s next head coach.
- Dec. 11, 2:30 p.m.: An ESPN report stated that while UNC is working to finalize a deal with Belichick, “issues that both sides need to work through” remain.
- Dec. 11, 1 p.m.: Brendan Marks of The Athletic shared on X (formerly Twitter) that UNC has not yet called an emergency Board of Trustees session to approve the contract. However, Inside Carolina reported that the university is “finalizing a contract” and planning to hold a board meeting soon.
Belichick in College Football?
The possibility of Belichick joining the college ranks has sparked significant debate. The 72-year-old coach, regarded as one of the greatest in NFL history, has no prior experience at the college level. His resume, however, speaks for itself: six Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots and 302 career regular-season wins, third-most in NFL history.
Despite his professional success, Belichick faces a new challenge in taking over a program that hasn’t seen consistent dominance since Mack Brown’s first stint in the 1990s. The Tar Heels last claimed an ACC Championship in 1980 and have only one New Year’s Six bowl appearance in the past seven decades.
The Journey to This Point
Belichick revealed during a recent appearance on ESPN's Pat McAfee Show that he had spoken to UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts about the role. According to The Athletic, tensions between UNC Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham and Board of Trustees chair John Preyer delayed the search process. Preyer and other board members reportedly reached out to Belichick directly, offering him a preliminary deal.
Belichick’s ties to college football this season stem from his son, Steve Belichick, who served as the University of Washington’s defensive coordinator.
What’s Next?
While negotiations have yet to be formally completed, the Tar Heel faithful are bracing for what could be a groundbreaking hire. If finalized, the move would bring a fresh yet highly experienced perspective to a team looking to reignite its winning tradition.
Stay tuned for updates as UNC inches closer to officially naming Bill Belichick its new head coach.
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