When Bill Belichick took over the UNC Tar Heels in 2024 following his 24-year reign with the New England Patriots, expectations soared.
Fans envisioned a powerhouse program led by the man who shaped one of the NFL’s most dominant dynasties. But halfway through his first season, the Tar Heels are 2-5, and cracks are beginning to appear in the myth of the coach once deemed untouchable.
College football analyst Joel Klatt discussed Belichick’s struggles, pointing out that NFL greatness doesn’t always translate to the college level.
“There’s two things specifically that are different at the college level that are not an option at the NFL level,” Klatt explained. “Number one, you can impact these kids’ lives to a greater degree. You can influence them. And if that’s something that drives you and you’re passionate about, college is the place for you. The next thing is, in college, you are at the corner.”
A fading mystique and shifting perceptions
According to Klatt, Belichick remains revered as one of the greatest NFL coaches ever, yet the conversation around the Patriots dynasty still begins with Tom Brady.
“When we talk about the Patriots‘ dynasty, the first name that comes up is Tom Brady,” Klatt said, suggesting that Belichick‘s identity as a coach is inseparable from his star quarterback.
Together, Brady and Belichick won six Super Bowls and defined an era. But unlike the NFL, college football tends to spotlight coaches more than players.
As Klatt noted, “When you think of Nick Saban‘s run at Alabama, who do you think of first? Nick Saban.”
At UNC, however, Belichick‘s trademark system-building hasn’t yet produced results. His disciplined, detail-heavy NFL approach has clashed with the different demands of college football – particularly recruiting and player development over a shorter cycle.
After a series of blowout losses, rumors swirled about his future and a potential $20 million buyout. Belichick responded with trademark bluntness: “Whoever that story came from, it’s already been taken down… It’s just total, as Trump would say, fake news. It’s just a novel.”
Athletic director Bill Cunningham publicly reinforced his coach’s position, saying, “Coach Belichick has the full support of the Department of Athletics and university.”
Unmoved by speculation, Belichick remains focused on turning the program around.
“I’m sure there’s a lot of other people that want to get clicks and views… It’s just a bunch of garbage,” he said.
Despite the turbulence, the veteran coach seems intent on proving he can build success again – this time in a very different arena.
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