Thaddeus Dixon is looking to impress at the Combine and boost his stock ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, and the UNC product spoke to The Mirror U.S. about his relationship with Bill Belichick
12:55 ET, 26 Feb 2026
Thaddeus Dixon transferred to UNC ahead of the 2025 college football season
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Thaddeus Dixon transferred to UNC ahead of the 2025 college football season(Image: Getty Images)
Thaddeus Dixon will “cherish” his time under Bill Belichick forever despite the Super Bowl champion head coach’s difficult first season in college football.
Back in January 2025, the 73-year-old signed a five-year contract with the Tar Heels that will pay him $50 million. Belichick made some key moves in the transfer portal ahead of his hotly anticipated debut season, including acquiring Dixon from Washington.
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But UNC struggled; the program went 4-8, including 2-6 in the ACC, as Belichick’s first crack at college football ended in misery beneath the shadow of his relationship with Jordan Hudson. Still, Dixon is pleased he attended Chapel Hill before closing out his college career.
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Dixon, who will be available in the upcoming NFL Draft. played well when on the field during an injury-hit season. He started 7 games and recorded 19 tackles, including two tackles for loss and six pass breakups. The cornerback allowed only 16 catches and a touchdown
Speaking ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Dixon outlined just how big a role Belichick - arguably the greatest coach in NFL history - played in his decision to go to UNC. Dixon exclusively told The Mirror U.S.: “He played a big role. I had played under his son, Coach Steven Belichick, at the University of Washington. He was my defensive coordinator. I built a relationship with him and Coach Armond Hawkins at Washington, and they played a big role, too.
“But when you get the opportunity to play for Bill Belichick, it’s kind of a no-brainer. Especially if you want to play on Sundays. You can take so much from him, and he’ll put you in the right place.”
When asked what the most significant lesson or improvement to his game was under Belichick, Dixon was clear: “My leadership and my film study. I always took a real good approach to each week, but this past season, I met with Coach Belichick for two hours a week every week. Just seeing how he approaches each week and the game, and watching what he was watching compared to what I was watching, it’s completely different.”
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Thaddeus Dixon proved himself to be a lockdown cornerback during his limited time at UNC
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Thaddeus Dixon proved himself to be a lockdown cornerback during his limited time at UNC(Image: Getty Images)
UNC ultimately had a disappointing season compared to expectations coming into the campaign. But Dixon regrets nothing, outlining that just being around Belichick has improved his game and given him an experience he will hold onto for the rest of his playing days and beyond.
“To be able to be around a guy with so much football knowledge, who can coach all 22 guys on the field,” Dixon said at the Combine. “It was a blessing.
“Coach Belichick cares a lot about the game and his players, and I learned so much from him. I’ll cherish it forever. I learned stuff that nobody can take away from me, and I can take it into the league. He was just a professional in every aspect. He’s seen it all. He’s probably come to the Combine for the last 60, 70, 80 years.
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“He has a cerebral approach to the game, but once you get to know him and he opens up, his sense of humor is actually really good. He’s a funny guy.”
Dixon and the defensive backs will take to the field at Lucas Oil Stadium and work out at the Combine on Friday, February 27.