Report: Bill Belichick, UNC HC Contract Decision Expected This Week amid Rumors
North Carolina is maintaining a dialogue with former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick about their vacancy, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.
Thamel reported a resolution one way or the other is expected this week..
When it comes to the Tar Heels' search, he added that Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith "were two names most prominently linked to the job when it opened." Both removed themselves from contention.
Belichick is a six-time Super Bowl champion and one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. He was an unexpected candidate for UNC, though, because he hasn't worked in the college ranks before. The 72-year-old's famously surly demeanor would also be an odd fit in today's game.
Bill's son Stephen at least has some college experience after joining Jedd Fisch's staff at Washington this season as the defensive coordinator. Thamel reported Stephen would potentially follow his dad to Chapel Hill were Bill to get the job.
The MMQB's Albert Breer offered more context behind why Belichick is warming to the idea of coaching in college.
"Belichick and folks around him have really studied the current state of the college game, and what they've found has, well, a lot in common with the NFL," Breer wrote. "If NIL is the salary cap, and the transfer portal is free agency, then you can see where Belichick might have confidence that what some folks would see as adjustment for him being a potential advantage."
Belichick is also encouraged by the changes in the NCAA rules that allow for non-coaching staffers to recruit, per Breer. Because of that, he "wouldn't need to do home visits to land 18-year-olds," with the NFL insider citing Colorado head coach Deion Sanders as an example.
It's a comparison that may not work, though, because Sanders is such a singular star with limitless charisma. As a Hall of Fame cornerback, he has also reached the kind of heights professionally prospective recruits want to attain.
Belichick simply can't match that.
Traditional recruiting hasn't even been a strength for Colorado during the Coach Prime era, either. The Buffs were 95th nationally in 247Sports' composite team rankings for 2024 and have moved up to 37th for 2025, which is only good for fourth in the Big 12.
Belichick and North Carolina would've have advanced this far if he weren't a serious candidate. But there's still going to be a level of shock if he's the final choice.
