Bill Belichick could be hired as the University of North Carolina’s next football coach, but it’s not a done deal just yet.
ESPN reported Wednesday that both sides have to work through some issues to finalize a formal hiring.
Sources told ESPN that the “ball is in Belichick’s court”
Items still being discussed are the potential role for Belichick’s son, current University of Washington defensive co-ordinator Stephen Belichick, NIL and staff resources, and the reporting structure.
Among the looming issues are the potential role for his son and current Universty of Washington defensive co-ordinator Stephen Belichick, North Carolina’s NIL resources, Belichick’s salary and resources for the staff and reporting structure.
After reports surfaced last week that Belichick had interviewed with the Tar Heels for their head-coaching vacancy, the six-time Super Bowl champ confirmed the talks on Monday in an interview with ESPN’s Pat McAfee.
North Carolina fired its winningest coach — College Football Hall of Famer Mack Brown on Nov. 26. The school announced that Brown wouldn’t return for a seventh season in his second stint at the school, though Brown stayed on to coach the team’s final game, a rivalry loss to N.C. State.
Arguably the greatest NFL coach of all-time, Belichick has never coached at the collegiate level. But he does have ties to the college game, as his father, Steve, was a legendary scout and assistant coach at Navy for several decades. Steve was also an assistant coach with North Carolina during the mid-1950s.
“I grew up around college football and I’ve had a chance this year to take a longer look at it (this year),” Belichick told McAfee on Monday.
When asked what he would bring to the North Carolina program, Belichick said that he would make the Tar Heels an “NFL program” at the college level.
Belichick and the New England Patriots agreed to mutually part ways on Jan. 11 after an incredible 24-year run that included the six Super Bowl victories.
Many thought that Belichick’s return to the sidelines would come in the NFL, as he currently sits just 14 wins back of legendary Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula’s all-time wins record of 347 (including playoffs).
