The curated articles all examine Bill Belichick’s move from the NFL to UNC and how it could impact both the Tar Heels and the wider college football landscape. They focus on organizational changes, recruiting, staff reconstruction, and shifts in fan and media attention.
Belichick’s arrival triggered a reorganization of the coaching staff, with several former NFL assistants and family members joining the program. Steve and Brian Belichick, along with Matt Lombardi, each took on major coaching roles. The university offered Belichick a significant contract, with detailed bonuses related to playoff appearances and buyout clauses, reflecting high institutional commitment to his vision. Recruitment efforts changed with Belichick’s approach. He visited local high schools early to connect directly with prospects, aiming to lure decommitted recruits back and establish new relationships. Player movement in the transfer portal spiked as Belichick re-recruited some to stay while bringing in transfers like quarterback Ryan Browne from Purdue. Belichick’s move increased fan engagement. UNC sold out its season ticket allotment despite higher prices and saw sharp growth in premium seating sales. The university administration expressed confidence that Belichick would elevate the program both financially and competitively, and is spending heavily to back this new direction.
NO. 1: UNC FOOTBALL TRANSFER TRACKER: WITH BROWN-TO-BELICHICK COACH SWAP, WHO’S JOINING TAR HEELS?
The decision to fire Mack Brown on Nov. 26 allowed UNC players to make quick decisions on the NCAA transfer portal, but most waited until a replacement was found to make a decision. | Published December 11, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chip Alexander
NO. 2: UNC FOOTBALL ROLLS OUT WELCOME MAT FOR COACH BILL BELICHICK AMID FANFARE AT KENAN STADIUM
The University of North Carolina’s board of trustees approved the terms of Belichick’s employment during a closed session Thursday — UNC announced Wednesday that Belichick would have a five-year contract. | Published December 12, 2024 | Read Full Story by calexander@newsobserver.comChip Alexander
NO. 3: UNC FOOTBALL LOST TOP LOCAL RECRUIT AMID COACHING CHANGE. CAN BILL BELICHICK LURE HIM BACK?
Originally committed to North Carolina, Zavion Griffin-Haynes decommitted from the Tar Heels after Mack Brown was fired. Can UNC and head coach Bill Belichick lure the Rolesville High School edge rusher back? | Published March 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tom Shanahan
NO. 4: UNC FOOTBALL STAFF UNDER HEAD COACH BILL BELICHICK TAKES SHAPE AS SPRING FOOTBALL BEGINS
Former NFL head coach Freddie Kitchens is the Tar Heels’ offensive coordinator, and Steve Belichick will be the defensive coordinator for his father. | Published March 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chip Alexander
NO. 5: HOW THOM TILLIS AND MARCO RUBIO HELPED BILL BELICHICK LAND THE UNC COACHING JOB
UNC’s hiring of the former Patriots legend gained steam after calls between U.S. senators. | Published March 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by David Catanese
NO. 6: IF BILL BELICHICK IS LOOTING UNC, IT’S EXACTLY WHAT THE UNIVERSITY ASKED HIM TO DO
North Carolina decided to throw money at its football problem. Bill Belichick is spending it. If he decided to share the wealth with friends and family, who’s to say he’s wrong? | Published April 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Luke DeCock
NO. 7: UNC TO OPEN 2026 FOOTBALL SEASON AGAINST TCU WITH GAME IN IRELAND
After the teams open the 2025 season at Kenan Stadium in Bill Belichick’s first game as UNC coach, North Carolina and TCU will meet again in Ireland to open the 2026 season. | Published April 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chip Alexander
NO. 8: UNC BOASTS FOOTBALL TICKET SALES GROWTH, EXPRESSES COMMITMENT TO ‘BELICHICK ERA’
Carolina estimates a 35% growth in ticket sale growth overall. It expects that to climb to 50% when individual tickets become available for sale. | Published May 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jadyn Watson-Fisher
NO. 9: EARLY ACC FOOTBALL KICKOFF TIMES RELEASED. WHICH TEAMS ARE PLAYING, AND WHEN?
Kickoff times and television coverage details have been released for part of the 2025 schedule. Here’s when UNC, Duke, N.C. State and Wake Forest are playing. | Published May 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Steve Wiseman
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.