Big news for college football fans—legendary coach Bill Belichick is heading to Chapel Hill! The University of North Carolina has officially announced that Belichick, a six-time Super Bowl champion, will be the next head coach of the Tar Heels football team.
At 72 years old, Belichick is diving into college football for the first time, and he couldn’t be more thrilled. “I grew up around college football with my dad and treasured those times,” Belichick said in a statement. “I have always wanted to coach in college, and now I look forward to building the football program in Chapel Hill.”
UNC has reportedly signed Belichick to a three-year deal worth $30 million, including performance-based bonuses. This marks a significant shift for the coaching legend, who has spent nearly five decades in the NFL. Belichick stepped away from the league earlier this year after his long tenure with the New England Patriots came to an end.
Although many thought Belichick would return to the NFL, it seems the allure of college football was too strong to resist. Earlier this week, reports revealed that he agreed to take the job at UNC and even handed the school a 400-page “organizational bible.” The detailed plan reportedly outlines everything from team structure to recruiting strategies.
One of the major sticking points in negotiations was the availability of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) funds, which are crucial for recruiting in today’s college football landscape. UNC assured Belichick they’d back him with the resources he needs, including funding for assistant coaches—even if it means paying hefty buyouts to get the staff he wants.
And speaking of staff, Belichick’s son, Stephen, is expected to join him in Chapel Hill. Stephen, currently the defensive coordinator for Washington, is rumored to be Belichick’s choice to eventually take over the program when he decides to step down.
This move brings Belichick full circle to his college football roots. His father, Steve Belichick, was a longtime assistant coach at Navy and even had a stint with the Tar Heels back in the 1950s. It’s a family tradition that’s clearly close to Belichick’s heart.
The transition from the NFL to college football has been a thoughtful process for Belichick. He spent nearly a year reflecting on his next steps and even explored the ins and outs of college football more deeply. During a recent appearance on a sports show, Belichick said, “It’s been a good year for me. I’ve learned a lot.” He also confirmed that he had productive talks with UNC’s Chancellor Lee Roberts before accepting the position.
While Belichick has kept a low profile since leaving the Patriots, he’s remained close to the game with appearances on sports shows. Now, he’s ready to bring his signature approach to college football—and he’s already setting the stage for success.
Tar Heel fans, get ready. A new era of football is coming to Chapel Hill, and with Bill Belichick at the helm, the program is poised to make waves. As Belichick himself might say, “Let’s see how it goes.”
