For most people, the shock from last week’s Bill Belichick stunner still hasn’t worn off.
The more you think about it, the more it makes sense. Having said that, Belichick’s decision to take the head coaching position at the University of North Carolina is still hard to believe.
Whether we agree with it or not, the entire football world needs to come to terms with the fact that Belichick’s NFL days are (most likely) over. He will now be leading the mighty UNC Tar Heels into the future.
Belichick, known for his six Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots (and two as Giants defensive coordinator), will lead the ACC program after its decision to part ways with Mack Brown.
Belichick’s first major move as UNC’s head coach appears to be targeting Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator Scott Turner.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Turner has emerged as a top candidate to run the Tar Heel offense.
“One note: #Raiders OC Scott Turner has emerged as a top target to become Bill Belichick’s OC at UNC,” Rapoport reported.
If hired, Turner would assume play-calling duties, a critical role as Belichick transitions to the collegiate game.
Interestingly, Belichick’s legendary quarterback, Tom Brady, is a minority owner of the Raiders and is expected to have a significant voice in all football decisions going forward.
While it’s not known just how highly Brady thinks of Turner, there’s a decent chance that Belichick ends up luring him away from Vegas.
After spending over two decades coaching the New England Patriots and capturing six Super Bowl titles, Belichick was kicked to the curb by owner Robert Kraft at the end of the 2023 season.
Now, at age 72, Belichick takes on a new challenge: reviving a North Carolina program that had a rollercoaster year, finishing 6-6 under Brown and interim coach Freddie Kitchens.
Rapoport also noted that Belichick briefly explored a potential opportunity with the New York Jets before deciding to take the college route.
With his five-year, $50 million deal, Belichick instantly becomes one of the highest paid coaches in all of college football.
With the hefty price tag comes high expectations, and all eyes will be on Chapel Hill as the Tar Heels aim to build a championship-caliber team.
The transition to college coaching marks a significant shift for Belichick, whose 50-year career has been exclusively at the professional level.
He faces new challenges, including navigating the complexities of recruiting high school athletes and leveraging NIL deals to attract top talent.
North Carolina is best known as a basketball powerhouse, but its football program has shown promise in recent years.
The team finished 8-4 in 2023 and produced the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, quarterback Drake Maye.
Despite a mediocre 2024 season, the Tar Heels have had just one losing campaign in the past six years.
Belichick won’t coach North Carolina’s upcoming bowl game against UConn in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl on December 28.
Interim coach Freddie Kitchens will guide the Tar Heels in their 15th bowl appearance. The team currently holds a 15-23 record in postseason play.
What are your thoughts on Belichick targeting Turner as his new offensive coordinator?
More importantly, how do you think this whole college experiment will end up working out for Belichick???
