After days of rumors and rumblings, legendary NFL icon Bill Belichick is officially the head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels football program.
Belichick, an eight-time Super Bowl champion, agreed to a five-year deal with the school on Wednesday.
Unsurprisingly, Belichick kept his cards close to the chest amid the swirling rumors over the past week. But after he was officially announced as the program's new head coach, the 72-year-old coaching legend released his first public statement.
"I am excited for the opportunity at UNC-Chapel Hill. I grew up around college football with my Dad and treasured those times. I have always wanted to coach in college and now I look forward to building the football program in Chapel Hill," Belichick wrote in a statement along with the school's official announcement.
Belichick has ties to Chapel Hill and the North Carolina football program. His father, Steve, was an assistant for the Tar Heels from 1953-55.
Belichick, the architect of the New England Patriots dynasty alongside legendary quarterback Tom Brady, is reportedly bringing a comprehensive plan to revolutionize the North Carolina program and adapt to the rapidly-changing college football landscape.
North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick © Eric Canha-Imagn Images © Eric Canha-Imagn Images
"We know that college athletics is changing, and those changes require new and innovative thinking," UNC director of athletics Bubba Cunningham said in a statement. "Bill Belichick is a football legend, and hiring him to lead our program represents a new approach that will ensure Carolina football can evolve, compete and win -- today and in the future. At Carolina, we believe in providing championship opportunities and the best experience possible for our student-athletes, and Coach Belichick shares that commitment. We are excited to welcome him to Chapel Hill."
North Carolina is planning an introductory press conference for Belichick sometime in the coming days.
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This story was originally published December 11, 2024, 5:00 PM.