While multiple sources reported Wednesday that UNC is ready to hire Bill Belichick as its next football coach, the deal is not complete and both sides still have issues to resolve.
Among the potential sticking points, according to ESPN: “the potential role for his son and current Washington defensive coordinator Stephen Belichick; North Carolina’s name, image and likeness resources; Belichick’s salary, and resources for the staff and reporting structure.”
UNC and Belichick have been in talks since last week. News ramped up around lunchtime today (Wednesday) that the hire was imminent, with multiple outlets like ABC11, Inside Carolina and David Glenn confirming Belichick was indeed going to be the Tar Heels next head coach. But the energy has been tempered by more recent announcements that not everything is in place yet.
The landmark decision, if completed, would signal a bold and potentially transformative era for Tar Heels football. Belichick, widely regarded as one of the greatest minds in NFL history, would bring a level of professional pedigree rarely seen in the collegiate ranks, setting the stage for a seismic shift in the program’s ambitions and operations.
Why Belichick Hire Is a Win for the Tar Heels, ACC
Instantly Elevates UNC Football’s Profile
The mere association of Bill Belichick with the UNC head coaching job has already dominated national news cycles, propelling the Tar Heels into the spotlight. UNC will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about programs throughout the offseason, much like the buzz surrounding Deion Sanders’ arrival at Colorado. Could ESPN’s cameras soon be broadcasting UNC’s spring game nationally?
Recruiting is poised to surge as elite prospects seek the chance to be coached by an NFL legend. The allure of a direct pipeline to the pros will be hard for top players to resist.
Brings NFL-Level Coaching to Chapel Hill (Finally, a Fix for the Defense?)
Belichick’s legacy of meticulous preparation, defensive prowess and attention to detail is unmatched. His proposed 400-page “organizational bible” for UNC reportedly outlines everything from staffing strategies to payment structures, even envisioning dual staffs—one for coaching and another for recruiting.
For a program that has struggled defensively, Belichick’s expertise could be transformative. Will his arrival finally shore up UNC’s long-porous defense?
Increases Spotlight on the ACC
Belichick’s presence in the Atlantic Coast Conference is a game-changer. Long overshadowed by the SEC and Big Ten, the ACC now has another marquee name to attract national attention. High-profile games involving UNC could become must-watch events, potentially drawing bigger TV deals and much-needed revenue for the conference.
Could this finally push the State-Carolina game off the ACC Network and onto a primetime national platform?
High Risk, High Reward: Potential Pitfalls
Challenges of the College Game
Belichick has spent his career in the NFL, where relationships with players are more transactional. Navigating recruiting, NIL complexities, and fostering the emotional growth of younger players will require significant adjustment. His no-nonsense style is likely to contrast sharply with the more personable approaches of peers like Dabo Swinney.
Will he meet the sky-high expectations of fans and stakeholders who will demand championships, both in the ACC and nationally? What happens if UNC stumbles to a 6-6 season and suffers losses to rivals Duke and NC State?
Longevity and Succession
At 72, Belichick is only a year younger than Mack Brown, the coach he’s replacing. With the all-time NFL wins record still within reach, Belichick could be tempted back to the professional ranks if the right offer comes along (Cowboys? Giants?). Without a clear succession plan, a one-and-done stint could leave UNC scrambling.
The “Carolina Way” Meets Professionalization
Belichick’s hire represents a cultural shift for UNC, moving away from the traditional “Carolina Way” toward the professionalization of its football program—and potentially its athletics department as a whole. How will this sit with alumni and boosters who value tradition that has already made North Carolina a national brand in many respects? UNC is entering uncharted territory, blazing a trail in the rapidly changing college football landscape.
Looking Ahead: UNC Football Schedule
The Tar Heels open the 2025 season on Aug. 30 at home against TCU, a recent College Football Playoff contender. They’ll then face Charlotte on the road, host Richmond, and travel to UCF.
The ACC schedule features home games against Clemson, Duke, Stanford, and Virginia, with road matchups at NC State, Wake Forest, Syracuse, and California. With Belichick at the helm, every game could feel like a marquee event rather than an afterthought game on The CW.
Bill Belichick NFL Coaching Record | Year By Year
Cleveland Browns (Head Coach):
- 1991: 6–10
- 1992: 7–9
- 1993: 7–9
- 1994: 11–5 (Reached Divisional Playoff; 1–1 in postseason)
- 1995: 5–11
New England Patriots (Head Coach):
- 2000: 5–11
- 2001: 11–5 (Super Bowl XXXVI Champions; 3–0 in postseason)
- 2002: 9–7
- 2003: 14–2 (Super Bowl XXXVIII Champions; 3–0 in postseason)
- 2004: 14–2 (Super Bowl XXXIX Champions; 3–0 in postseason)
- 2005: 10–6 (Reached Divisional Playoff; 1–1 in postseason)
- 2006: 12–4 (Reached AFC Championship Game; 2–1 in postseason)
- 2007: 16–0 (AFC Champions; 2–1 in postseason)
- 2008: 11–5
- 2009: 10–6 (Reached Wild Card Playoff; 0–1 in postseason)
- 2010: 14–2 (Reached Divisional Playoff; 0–1 in postseason)
- 2011: 13–3 (AFC Champions; 2–1 in postseason)
- 2012: 12–4 (Reached AFC Championship Game; 1–1 in postseason)
- 2013: 12–4 (Reached AFC Championship Game; 1–1 in postseason)
- 2014: 12–4 (Super Bowl XLIX Champions; 3–0 in postseason)
- 2015: 12–4 (Reached AFC Championship Game; 1–1 in postseason)
- 2016: 14–2 (Super Bowl LI Champions; 3–0 in postseason)
- 2017: 13–3 (AFC Champions; 2–1 in postseason)
- 2018: 11–5 (Super Bowl LIII Champions; 3–0 in postseason)
- 2019: 12–4 (Reached Wild Card Playoff; 0–1 in postseason)
- 2020: 7–9
- 2021: 10–7 (Reached Wild Card Playoff; 0–1 in postseason)
- 2022: 8–9
- 2023: 4–13
