Bill Belichick is going back to campus.
After stepping aside as the head coach of the New England Patriots at the end of the 2023 NFL season, Belichick interviewed for the open Atlanta Falcons head coaching position. But when the job went to Raheem Morris, Belichick spent this past NFL campaign on the outside, doing various media spots and even stepping up his “pitchman” game for companies such as DoorDash.
While many believed he would find his way back to the NFL, Belichick is indeed returning to the sidelines, but not at the professional level. The legendary head coach confirmed on Monday that his next coaching stop will be in the college game as the next head coach at North Carolina:
Chapel Bill: six-time Super-Bowl-winning head coach Bill Belichick is finalizing a deal to become the new head coach at North Carolina, sources tell me, @PeteThamel and @ClowESPN.
Belichick is going back to school, to where his father served as an assistant coach in the 1950s. pic.twitter.com/tcx7x00Alp
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 11, 2024
Belichick left the Patriots after building two different dynasties, first the team in the early 2000s that won Super Bowls in three out of four years, and then the team in the 2010s that lifted the Lombardi Trophy in three out of five years, losing a fourth Super Bowl to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII.
How Belichick’s gruff demeanor with the press, and overall coaching style, translates to the college game remains to be seen. But you could make that case that he could be a star on the recruiting trail, walking into various living rooms and flashing a number of Super Bowl rings in front of potential recruits.
However, the legendary head coach seems to have done his homework in pursuing this opportunity. Belichick reportedly prepared a “400-page organizational bible,” covering everything from potential salaries, staffing choices, and more.
According to reports, Belichick’s deal is for three years, and worth $30 million.
There is also reporting that Belichick’s move to UNC may also include a guarantee that his son Steve be named the coach-in-waiting for the Tar Heels. The younger Belichick served as the defensive coordinator for the Washington Huskies this past season, helping that unit improve.
But now the older Belichick is headed back to school.
