The Bill Belichick era at the University of North Carolina officially kicked off on Thursday, as the legendary football coach, known for his no-nonsense approach, was introduced as the new head coach of the Tar Heels.
Belichick, who is second only to the great Bill Walsh in all-time NFL wins, described the opportunity as a “dream” come true.
“I’ve always wanted to coach college football. It just never really worked out before. I had some great years in the NFL, so that was good, but this really feels like a dream realized,” Belichick shared during a press conference in Chapel Hill.
Belichick’s connection to the university runs deep through his father, Steve, who served as an assistant coach for the Tar Heels from 1953 to 1955. The new coach reflected on these memories fondly during the press event.
He even shared a personal story from his childhood, revealing that his very first words were “Beat Duke!” — a nod to the fierce rivalry between North Carolina and Duke University. Belichick also expressed that his return to Chapel Hill felt like a homecoming.
In a sentimental moment, he unveiled his father’s old UNC sweatshirt, a keepsake from his dad’s time coaching at the school.
This marks Belichick’s first coaching job since parting ways with the New England Patriots in January, where he won an impressive eight Super Bowls—six as head coach and two as an assistant with the New York Giants. He had also previously coached the Cleveland Browns from 1991 to 1995.
When asked why he chose to continue coaching after so many years in the NFL, Belichick’s response was blunt but telling.
“Beats working,” he quipped.
“My dad always told me, when you love what you do, it’s not work. I love coaching. I love working with the players, building a team, strategizing, and of course, being part of the game itself.”
Belichick, who signed a five-year deal with North Carolina that runs through December 2029, emphasized that he wasn’t planning on leaving anytime soon, especially when asked about possible future openings in the NFL. “I didn’t come here to leave,” he said.
While acknowledging there are similarities between college football and the NFL, Belichick pointed out the differences but reaffirmed that, at its core, football is still football. He also noted his experience in developing young talent, citing examples of Patriots players like Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, and Julian Edelman, who rose to stardom under his guidance.
The school’s athletic director, Bubba Cunningham, shared Belichick’s enthusiasm about the new era in North Carolina football.
“We’re starting a whole new chapter in our football program, and we’re excited to have Coach Belichick leading the way,” Cunningham said. “We’ve long been known as the University of National Champions, and now we’ve got a Super Bowl-winning coach to take us even further.”
In tribute to his new coach, Cunningham wore a custom jacket with the sleeves cut off, a signature Belichick look from his days roaming the NFL sidelines.
For now, Belichick’s focus is on improving a team that’s struggled in recent years. The Tar Heels ended the regular season with a .500 record at 6-6 and will take on Connecticut in the Fenway Bowl on December 28.
Belichick expressed his desire to return the program to its glory days, recalling the 1980 season, when the Tar Heels last won a conference championship.
“There’s a lot of pride in this program, and I’m committed to doing everything I can to help elevate it to the highest level,” he said.
Source: CNN Sports
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