Former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is headed to the University of North Carolina to take over as head coach of the Tar Heels’ football program, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Belichick’s contract is worth $30MM over three years, per The Athletic’s Ralph Russo, keeping him in Chapel Hill through the 2027 season. UNC’s Board of Trustees is expected to officially approve the deal on Thursday, per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.
Initial reports of Belichick’s interest in the UNC head coaching gig emerged last week, though he remained linked to several NFL jobs as well. A second interview in Chapel Hill indicated that Belichick was serious about coaching at the college level and was not using the interest from the Tar Heels as leverage to get back into the NFL. Extensive negotiations involved Belichick’s salary, a job for his son (and current University of Washington defensive coordinator) Steve Belichick, and UNC’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and recruitment strategy.
Bill Belichick appears to have gotten his way when it comes to funding for recruitment. The Tar Heels are expected to quintuple their NIL package for football from $4MM to $20MM, per USA Today’s Matt Hayes. UNC is also expected to hire as many as 30 additional staff members, according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones.
Belichick was not expected to garner much interest from the NFL during this year’s hiring cycle, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Rather than wait for more vacancies to open up, Belichick opted to take his talents to the college level, likely giving up his career-long pursuit of Don Shula’s NFL-record 347 wins. The ex-Patriots coach will turn 73 next April, so a return to the pros would run counter to the league’s recent trend of hiring younger first-time head coaches.
Belichick will replace longtime UNC head coach Mack Brown, the winningest coach in program history, who was fired at the end of November. The Tar Heels compiled a 44-33 under Brown since 2019 – his second stint in Chapel Hill – but have gone 1-4 in bowl games in that span.
Had the Tar Heels not met Belichick’s demands, UNC was expected to offer their head coaching job to Browns passing game specialist and tight ends coach Tommy Rees, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Like Belichicke, Rees went through two interviews with the Tar Heels and even received support from former Alabama head coach Nick Saban.
Belichick’s decision sent shockwaves through the NFL’s winter meetings in Dallas, according to ESPN’s Diana Russini. Any team that was considering him as a head coach candidate will have to look elsewhere in the coming months.
Though Belichick’s last four seasons in New England only yielded a 29-38 record, his status as a legendary football coach will bring excitement and legitimacy to the Tar Heels’ football program.
Good for him. Probably is better for the legacy in the long run. In addition, he will shape all those kids there how to be real football players. I’m really curious how he handles the social media use of the team
If he has success, it definitely helps his legacy. If he fails though, I think it does a tremendous amount of damage to it. We’ll see which way it goes. I’m not convinced his demeanor is built for the college game though.
makes sense, the balls in college are essentially deflated anyway
That joke wasn’t even funny 7 years ago
Anddddd they did it lol
This is going to cut one of two ways with recruits
Either it’s hey I can play for a legendary coach or it’s hey I can play for a guy that is 72 and only committed for 3 years.
Just have to wonder if there isn’t some handshake deal that has him hand this over to his son when he is done
I think that was reported the other day that steve is the coach in waiting
It not like the good college players are gonna be there for more than 3 years. That’s a non factor
There’s no commitment for 3 years. The players transfer daily these days.
Essentially every college player is on a one year deal.
Not even that. The portal is open now and bowl season is in full effect.
He must have known there was no chance in the NFL left. Any GM would need to give up power to hire him
Great move for both parties.
UNC gave him total control over the cheerleading roster. Those recruiting visits are going to be cringeworthy.
I’ll wait 24 hours before congratulating either party lol
If this means that Bill will no longer be on the Manning Cast, this is absolutely awesome news.
Also, does Bill going to college to coach effect his HOF eligibility?
I was kind of looking forward to seeing his daughter Amanda (40) sitting next to and celebrating with his girlfriend Jordon (24). Just saying…..
8-5 next year. At best.
Wonder if this means he didn’t expect to get any NFL interest.
Everytime I see a picture of Steve, I think that he looks like a guy who would get my drive thru order wrong.
Hide the cheerleaders!
He floated this FULLY EXPECTING a few NFL teams to call and say “hey, wait, we’re interestered” and none did and now, bluff called, the “greatest coach ever” is in the ACC.
do you not think the coach with 6 rings isnt one of if not the best coach in the NFL? hes def on the rushmore, the league simply evolves. not that deep
8 if you count his time as a coordinator
So he is going to take our Def coordinator from us? How can that be? Wow is me. He was ok. Lost a lot of players from last year so were a bit low on talent. We will be better once we get a full season to recruit. Him leaving is not a big deal sure he can be replaced.
“UNC is also expected to hire as many as 30 additional staff members”.
I’m assuming preference will be given to those with experience operation surveillance equipment or those who are adept at signal stealing.
As a DIEHARD tar heels fan, I LOVE THIS!! I’m hoping Quinn ewers stays at Texas 1 more year and Bill can throw some of that $20mil at arch Manning!!
you beat me to it by 2 min
I think this can work out well.
Personally I prefer him a chance to fail in the NFL, but in two years time this program can be rebuilt.
It helps him save face and it might be the easier route for him. The NFL would be embarrassing I think – not how he wants to go out. College is a quicker path.
He is good at preparing players. That was his strength. Will it work for college players? Maybe. I think it at least recruits players to NC.
Its at least interesting.
BB is close friends with Saban, so I am sure he will get some support.
Plus, there is concern from Longhorn fans that Arch Manning could enter the portal if Ewers stays another year. Would that be something having Manning at UNC.
Holy sh#t !!! He did it. Tellya those cats w/there transfer portal can skadaddle for higher payday elsewhere @drop of hat. Can’t tell em what to do. Step down frm pros, kids are calling the shots in college game right now. Good for coach, program needs some discipline. Thought it was just smokescreen for nfl job.
Afraid once those kids get taste of Camp Belichek they are 1 n done.