Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has recently emerged as a candidate for a head coaching position at the University of North Carolina, according to a report by Grant Hughes of Inside Carolina. The news of Belichick’s interview with North Carolina comes as the school searches for a new head coach to replace Mack Brown, who was let go on November 26.
The possibility of Belichick making the move to college football has certainly garnered significant attention, given his legendary NFL coaching career.
According to sources speaking to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer and Pat Forde, the school has had ongoing discussions with Belichick, who reportedly has a genuine interest in making a transition to the college game.
This would be a significant change for Belichick, who has spent his entire coaching career in the professional ranks but appears intrigued by the opportunity to lead a college program.
“He blew them away in the interview,” a source told Andrew Carter of The News & Observer, indicating that Belichick made a strong impression during his meeting with the Tar Heels’ athletic department. The Tar Heels are hoping to find a coach who can bring stability and a winning culture to their football program, and Belichick’s resume certainly fits the bill.
The search for Mack Brown’s replacement has included several notable candidates, as the Tar Heels aim to revitalize their football team following a disappointing 6-6 season. In addition to Belichick, the school’s list of potential hires reportedly includes Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall and Georgia defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann, among others.
Each of these candidates brings a unique set of skills and experience to the table, but the possibility of landing a coach of Belichick’s stature would be a major coup for North Carolina.
RELATED: NFL Coaches and Executives Identify Top Three Landing Spots for Bill Belichick in 2025
Belichick’s availability comes after the Patriots decided to part ways with him following the 2023 NFL season. His departure marked the end of a 24-year tenure in New England, during which he led the team to six Super Bowl titles and established himself as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history.
Despite his departure, Belichick remained in high demand, generating interest from several teams and organizations. He was a finalist for the Atlanta Falcons’ head coaching job before the team ultimately chose Raheem Morris for the position.
In addition to his interview with North Carolina, Belichick was also pursued by the San Francisco 49ers, who offered him a role as their defensive coordinator.
San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that the 49ers extended the offer during the offseason, but Belichick declined, opting instead to hold out for a head coaching opportunity. Despite not landing a top job this year, Belichick has made it clear that he plans on returning to coaching in 2025.
Belichick’s coaching career is nothing short of legendary. He began his professional coaching journey in 1975 with the Baltimore Colts and has since built a resume that includes 31 playoff wins, nine Super Bowl appearances, and a record 17 division titles.
However, he has never coached at the college level, which makes his potential move to North Carolina even more intriguing. His expertise and experience could be transformative for a college program looking to compete at the highest levels.
Since stepping away from the Patriots, Belichick has also dipped his toes into the media world, becoming a regular guest on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show” and “Manningcast,” where he has provided insight and commentary on the NFL. The transition to media has allowed fans to see a different side of Belichick, but it is clear that his passion for coaching has not waned.
The University of North Carolina, meanwhile, is looking to turn the page on the Mack Brown era. Brown, who returned to the Tar Heels for a second stint in 2019, compiled a 44-32 record over the past six seasons.
Despite some notable successes, including an Orange Bowl appearance, the program struggled with consistency, leading to the decision to part ways with Brown. With the program now at a crossroads, bringing in a coach like Belichick could be the spark needed to elevate North Carolina’s football fortunes.
Whether Belichick ultimately chooses to make the leap to college football remains to be seen, but his interest in the Tar Heels’ head coaching position has certainly added an intriguing twist to this year’s coaching carousel.
A move to Chapel Hill would mark a new chapter in Belichick’s storied career and could have a profound impact on both North Carolina’s program and the landscape of college football as a whole.
