There would only be a few technical details remaining to be resolved, but most major American media confirmed the news Wednesday evening: Bill Belichick would be the new head coach of the Tar Hills of the University of North Carolina.
At 72, the most prolific head coach in NFL history returns to his first love. Since his divorce from the New England Patriots last January, the six-time Super Bowl champion has played the role of analyst for various American television networks.
However, for the past week, a rumor has it that Belichick is in contact with UNC officials. Rumor that he and his closest collaborators never wanted to confirm.
However, this rumor would be true. According to informed insiders in the United States, all that remains is to determine his salary, the adjustment of the structure of the program and the possible role occupied by Belichick’s son, Steve, in the organizational chart.
The former Pats head coach never coached in the college ranks. He worked for seven NFL organizations between 1975 and 2024. However, Belichick’s father was on the college’s coaching staff between 1953 and 1955.
This season, the Tar Heels finished 10e rank in the ACC conference, including Miami and Clemson, with a record of six wins and six losses. Recently, they had trained quarterback Drake Maye, selected third overall in the most recent draft by the Patriots.
It is impossible to determine the conditions accepted by Belichick to work in a developmental football structure. Even if now, with image and advertising bonuses, university athletes are treated like professionals. That being said, some American media are already talking about “the biggest blow in NCAA history”. For comparison, the highest paid coach on the circuit, Kirby Smart, earns $13.3 million per year at the University of Georgia.
