Bill Belichick, renowned for his six Super Bowl wins with the New England Patriots, has engaged in discussions with the University of North Carolina (UNC) regarding their football head coach position. This development comes after UNC parted ways with Mack Brown following the 2023 season, and was confirmed by sources on Thursday.
After a year away from coaching, 72-year-old Bill Belichick is reportedly eager to return to the helm. Since leaving the NFL, he has been open to opportunities both in the professional leagues and college football. His interest coincides with the vacancy left by Mack Brown, who served as UNC’s head coach in his second stint from 2019 to 2024 before being dismissed.
Despite Belichick’s extensive NFL experience, this would mark his first foray into college coaching. However, sources indicate mutual interest between Belichick and UNC, hinting at a potential collaboration. Interestingly, Belichick’s enthusiasm for the role is matched by UNC’s interest, although the school is also considering other candidates such as Tulane’s Jon Sumrall, Iowa State’s Matt Campbell, and Georgia’s Glenn Schumann.
Freddie Kitchens, previously UNC’s run game coordinator and tight ends coach, is currently serving as the interim head coach. Meanwhile, the school continues its search, exploring possibilities with other notable names, including former Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks.
Arthur Smith, Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive coordinator and a UNC graduate, was initially approached but opted to remain in the NFL, adding another twist to UNC’s recruitment journey.
During his time away from a full-time coaching position, Belichick has remained active in the football community. He appears regularly on various media platforms, such as ESPN’s ‘ManningCast’ and ‘The Pat McAfee Show,’ and contributes to ‘Inside the NFL’ on the CW Network. Despite his absence from the field, his expert insights continue to engage fans and viewers alike.
Bill Belichick’s discussions with UNC signal a significant potential shift in his storied career and an exciting possibility for the university’s football program. As both parties explore this opportunity, the sports community awaits developments that could bring a legendary NFL figure to college football for the first time.
Source: ESPN
