Category Archives: UNC Football

Belichick on Patriots: ‘I’m not welcomed in their facility, so they aren’t welcomed in ours’

Belichick on Patriots: ‘I’m not welcomed in their facility, so they aren’t welcomed in ours’

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Bill Belichick has started a new chapter as head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels. After leaving the New England Patriots in January 2024, his relationship with the team has soured. Reports say he banned a Patriots scout from attending practices, Belichick confirmed that on Saturday, stating: “It’s clear I’m not welcomed in their facility, so they aren’t welcomed in ours.” Belichick won his first game with the Tar Heels on Saturday, beating Charlotte 20-3. Despite the win, Belichick deflected praise, emphasizing the team effort. His debut game on Monday ended in a loss to TCU, drawing criticism from detractors.… Continue Reading

Bill Belichick earns first win as college head coach as North Carolina defeats Charlotte 20-3

Bill Belichick earns first win as college head coach as North Carolina defeats Charlotte 20-3

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Bill Belichick has secured his first win as a college head coach. North Carolina defeated Charlotte 20-3 on a rainy Saturday. Gio Lopez threw a 51-yard touchdown pass to Chris Culliver on the first possession. Davion Gause added a 12-yard rushing score. North Carolina’s defense held Charlotte to 271 yards and forced two turnovers. This victory comes after a tough debut loss to TCU, where North Carolina allowed 48 points. Despite early questions about Belichick’s ability to win at this level, the Tar Heels responded with a solid performance. North Carolina will host Richmond next, while Charlotte will face Monmouth.… Continue Reading

Belichick’s Tar Heels get short turnaround for Charlotte after opening-night flop against TCU

Belichick’s Tar Heels get short turnaround for Charlotte after opening-night flop against TCU

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — New North Carolina coach Bill Belichick says his Tar Heels need to move past the TCU blowout loss “as fast as we can” entering a short turnaround before playing at Charlotte. The Horned Frogs beat the Tar Heels 48-14 on Labor Day in Belichick’s college debut. It marked the most points ever given up in an opener for UNC and more than any Belichick-coached team in the NFL ever allowed. The six-time Super Bowl winner as an NFL head coach says the Tar Heels “need to learn some lessons” from the loss but move on to Saturday’s game.… Continue Reading

Belichick loses college coaching debut as TCU uses 2 defensive TDs to beat UNC 48-14

Belichick loses college coaching debut as TCU uses 2 defensive TDs to beat UNC 48-14

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Bud Clark had a first-half pick-six and Kevorian Barnes had a 75-yard touchdown run on the first second-half snap to help TCU spoil Bill Belichick’s college coaching debut by rolling past North Carolina 48-14 on Monday night. The 73-year-old Belichick had won six Super Bowl titles in a 24-year run as head coach of the NFL’s New England Patriots. His Tar Heels scored on the first possession but TCU took over with 41 unanswered points. That included Devean Deal joining Clark with a defensive touchdown on a fumble return in a third quarter that turned the game into a romp.… Continue Reading

Bill Belichick won big in the NFL. Can he do it as a rookie college coach at North Carolina?

Bill Belichick won big in the NFL. Can he do it as a rookie college coach at North Carolina?

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina is set for its football debut under Bill Belichick. The Tar Heels open the season Monday against TCU. That will mark the first game at the college level for Belichick after spending his entire coaching career in the NFL. Belichick led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles during a 24-year run there. Now he’s recruiting high school players and meeting with school donors. It’s all part of a bet by UNC that the 73-year-old college rookie can elevate its football program. That includes paying Belichick $10 million guaranteed for each of the next three years.… Continue Reading

North Carolina’s Bill Belichick turns to Gio Lopez as starting QB for opener against TCU

North Carolina’s Bill Belichick turns to Gio Lopez as starting QB for opener against TCU

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina will start Gio Lopez at quarterback against TCU in Bill Belichick’s college coaching debut. Belichick announced the decision during a news conference on Wednesday. Lopez transferred from South Alabama and joined the team after spring drills. Belichick praised Lopez’s progress and said he would get most of the practice reps leading up to the game. Lopez threw for over 2,500 yards and 18 touchdowns last year while also proving to be a mobile threat. The Tar Heels’ quarterback room also includes veteran Max Johnson and two freshmen.… Continue Reading

UNC’s Belichick tells players that Hulu will feature Tar Heels program in a show this fall

UNC’s Belichick tells players that Hulu will feature Tar Heels program in a show this fall

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina’s football program is getting a spotlight this season under new coach Bill Belichick. In a video posted by the program Sunday, Belichick told the team that Hulu will feature the Tar Heels as they play through his first season as a college coach. Belichick led the NFL’s New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles. UNC kicks off its season on Labor Day against TCU in a college version of Monday Night Football.… Continue Reading

North Carolina begins its journey under Bill Belichick with a spotlight – and plenty of uncertainty

North Carolina begins its journey under Bill Belichick with a spotlight – and plenty of uncertainty

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Bill Belichick’s arrival in college as put the spotlight on North Carolina. Belichick is making his first college coaching stop after leading the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles as a head coach. Belichick’s hiring marks a bet and increased investment in football for the school. That includes paying Belichick $10 million guaranteed for three years in a five-year deal. The Tar Heels are picked to finish eighth in the 17-team Atlantic Coast Conference. They open the season on Labor Day in a college version of Monday night football against TCU.… Continue Reading

UNC announces AD transition plan from Bubba Cunningham to RFK Racing president Steve Newmark in 2026

UNC announces AD transition plan from Bubba Cunningham to RFK Racing president Steve Newmark in 2026

North Carolina has announced its transition plan at athletic director from Bubba Cunningham to RFK Racing team president Steve Newmark for next summer. The school said Tuesday that Cunningham received a two-year contract extension and will serve as AD for the 2025-26 sports season. Newmark will report to him through the year as an executive associate AD working on “revenue-driving initiatives,” particularly related to the school’s football and men’s basketball programs. Then Newmark would take over as AD next summer. Cunningham has been the Tar Heels’ athletic director since 2011.… Continue Reading

Tar Heels players embrace new world as part of coach Bill Belichick’s first college team

Tar Heels players embrace new world as part of coach Bill Belichick’s first college team

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina’s football players are working in a new world since the arrival of NFL coaching great Bill Belichick to take over the Tar Heels program. Belichick won six Super Bowls as coach of the New England Patriots. UNC receiver Jordan Shipp described his first reaction to Belichick’s hiring as realizing the man he called the “greatest coach of all time” was about to be his coach. Shipp and defensive back Will Hardy said Belichick’s sense of humor caught them off guard amid his all-business demeanor.… Continue Reading

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