The rumor mill has been swirling all week. It is being reported today that former New England coach, Bill Belichick, is in talks to join the North Carolina Tar Heels as head coach. Former HC, Mack Brown, was let go earlier this season. With the insane timetable of early signing day, and portal opening, it just makes sense to get a person in place as soon as possible.
BREAKING: North Carolina is finalizing a deal to land Bill Belichick as its next head coach, @InsideCarolina reports🤯https://t.co/ZVSrXOUAFr pic.twitter.com/fdZXvgC1WU
— On3 (@On3sports) December 11, 2024
This could ever be the biggest hire in the history of college football, or the biggest mistake in recent UNC history. Make no mistake, Belichick is an absolute legend in the coaching community, When he had Tom Brady as his QB1, the Patriots were nearly unstoppable. When Brady left to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Patriots and Belichick fell on hard times. He was given the keys to the kingdom in the front office, making most of the personnel decisions. It really didn’t work out too well. If Belichick is given total control in Carolina, I’m not sure that scares me too much. While he has an incredible coaching resume in the pros, he has never coached a college game.
I can’t imagine Bill Belichick being a dynamic recruiter. He would be right in the Hokie’s backyard, and Virginia Tech routinely signs top talent out of North Carolina. The college landscape has shifted to a more pro model with NIL, and the transfer portal, so that may lend to future success. Most of his success will depend on his roster and his staff. If he lands a Fontel Mines-type recruiter and an imaginative OC, then look out. Carolina has always been a sleeping giant, and this may be the ultimate wake-up call. Coach Brent Pry and the staff might be getting even trickier, on and off the field. If the Tarheels end up inking the legend, media days just become a lot more interesting.