Bill Belichick’s first season at North Carolina got off to a rough start with a 48-14 loss to TCU on Labor Day in Week 1. The Tar Heels bounced back with wins over Charlotte and Richmond to move to 2-1.
Can $3.8B Michael Jordan Help Bill Belichick Build a Winner at UNC?
Can $3.8B Michael Jordan Help Bill Belichick Build a Winner at UNC (Screenshot Via Wikipedia)
However, Belichick’s squad fell in two games since then, with the latest 38-10 loss coming against Dabo Swinney’s Clemson on Saturday.
As UNC is now 2-3 following Week 6 of the 2025 season, former NFL receiver Chad Johnson argued that Belichick’s struggles stem from the current realities of college football.
“If you’re a UNC booster, you need to open up your pocketbook,” Johnsonsaid on the “Nightcap” show on Sunday. “You got to pay to play. You got to pay to win.
“You have the right man for the job. All you need now is the backing. The backing has to come from the sponsors, from those with big pockets on the outside that graduated there.”
NIL deals and the transfer portal give players more leverage now, and Johnson believes UNC legend Michael Jordan can play a key role in supporting Belichick’s rebuild.
“Tell me who’s the richest person right now that went to the University of North Carolina? One of arguably the greatest basketball players ever,” Johnson teased, before naming Jordan.
However, co-host Shannon Sharpe quickly offered Johnson a dose of realism.
“People with long money like to invest in things they like,” Sharpe said. “What does Michael Jordan like? [Basketball and golf]. What is North Carolina known for? [Basketball].”
Jordan starred at UNC from 1981 to 1984 and remains the richest athlete in the world with a net worth of $3.8 billion as of 2025.
CFB analyst reflects on Bill Belichick’s uncertain future at UNC
Bill Belichick took over UNC just two years after wrapping up his legendary two-decades career with the New England Patriots. But only five games into his tenure with the Tar Heels, rumors about his job security are already growing following back-to-back losses.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer spoke on this discussion on Sunday.
“Well, I certainly think it’s something they have to look at,” Breersaid. “It’ll be expensive to move on from him, but I think you have to look at this from a big-picture perspective for the University of North Carolina.”
Belichick’s Tar Heels seem to have regressed from the 2024 season’s 6-7 finish that led to Mack Brown’s firing. Despite overhauling the roster with roughly 70 new players through transfers and freshmen, UNC has yet to find its rhythm this season.
The Tar Heels now have a bye week to regroup before traveling to face the California Golden Bears on Oct. 17.