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Former Patriots Coach Bill Belichick Joins UNC as Head Coach on Five-Year Deal

Dec 12, 2024, 09:11 PM

Bill Belichick, the former New England Patriots coach and six-time Super Bowl champion, has been appointed as the new head football coach at the University of North Carolina (UNC). The university's board of trustees approved the five-year deal on Thursday morning. Belichick, 72, expressed his long-held desire to coach in college football during his introductory press conference, stating, "I've always wanted to coach in college football. It just never really worked out." He emphasized his commitment to UNC, saying, "I didn't come here to leave," when asked about returning to the NFL. Belichick brought his father's sweatshirt from when his dad coached at UNC to the press conference, showing a personal connection to the university. In a light-hearted moment, he joked that his first words as a baby were "Beat Duke." UNC Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham welcomed Belichick by wearing a sleeveless sport coat, a nod to Belichick's signature sideline attire. It's reported that former NFL executive Michael Lombardi will join as the new general manager in the UNC program. Additionally, Belichick will continue his regular appearances on "The Pat McAfee Show" and the "Manning Cast," increasing the program's visibility. The hiring has sparked various reactions across the football community, with some questioning whether Belichick will succeed at the collegiate level while others, including former UNC star Lawrence Taylor, express excitement about his potential impact on the program. Sportsbooks have set odds on UNC's win totals for the 2025 season under Belichick's leadership.