Despite finding success in the media world, most people expected Bill Belichick to get back into coaching next season.
But not like this.
Earlier this week, it was reported that the legendary coach had interviewed for the now-open job at the University of North Carolina. The news didn’t make much sense on many fronts. Why would UNC want to replace its outgoing 73-year-old head coach with a 72-year-old who has never spent a day coaching in the college ranks? Why would Belichick, of all people, want to get involved in the world of recruiting, NIL, transfer portals, and being responsible for 18-year-olds?
Not to mention Belichick is currently 26 wins behind Don Shula for the all-time NFL mark, a mark he could probably pass with three more seasons in the league. He also only needs 15 wins to break Shula’s record for total wins in both the regular season and postseason. He can’t do any of that if he’s coaching in the ACC.
However, details are starting to trickle out that imply the six-time Super Bowl champion might actually be serious about all this.
First, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reports that Belichick met with representatives from the university for a second time on Thursday, signaling that the first discussion wasn’t just a charity case or PR stunt.
Second, The Guardian’s Ollie Connolly is reporting that Belichick’s deal would include a guarantee that his son, Stephen Belichick, would be named head coach in waiting. The younger Belichick, who was a longtime assistant to his dad with the Patriots, is currently the Washington Huskies defensive coordinator. If the elder Belichick was hoping to use his status to leverage a better job for his son, well, this is how you’d do it.
We still have an incredibly hard time thinking Belichick actually goes through with this, especially with potential NFL openings in Jacksonville, Chicago, and New York to consider. While a case could be made that Belichick should stay on the media side and start building a brand there, it also sounds like the former coach knows where his heart is. If the right job is available, he’s probably gonna take it.
We’ll believe it’s with the Tar Heels when we see it.
