SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Demon June accounted for two touchdowns and nearly 200 yards on offense, Gio Lopez threw for two scores, and Bill Belichick won his first Atlantic Coast Conference game when North Carolina came from behind to defeat Syracuse 27-10. The win snapped a four-game losing streak for the Tar Heels (3-5, 1-3 ACC), while the Orange (3-6, 1-5) lost for the fifth consecutive time. North Carolina lost its previous two games by a combined four points.… Continue Reading
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina coach Bill Belichick said suspended cornerbacks coach Armond Hawkins has been reinstated and returned to work ahead of a visit from No. 16 Virginia. The school had announced Oct. 9 that it suspended Hawkins for “violating NCAA rules” tied to improper benefits. UNC’s statement didn’t specify a length of the suspension. It had also said he would remain on leave while the school “further investigates other potential actions detrimental” to the team and school. Belichick said Monday school officials “went through their process” with Hawkins and that he was back to work.… Continue Reading
BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) — Brent Austin forces a fumble at the goal line and recovers it in the end zone, securing California’s 21-18 victory over North Carolina on Friday night. North Carolina was close to a go-ahead score when Austin knocked the ball loose. With 3:48 left, California regained possession. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele completed two key passes on the next drive, helping Cal run down the clock. Sagapolutele also threw a touchdown pass and ran for another score. Despite a competitive game, North Carolina remains winless against power conference opponents under Bill Belichick.… Continue Reading
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Bill Belichick has denied reports that he’s been seeking an exit strategy from his North Carolina coaching role. Belichick says “some of the reports out last week about my looking for a buyout and trying to leave here and all that, it’s just categorically false.” Belichick was making his first public comments since a blowout loss to Clemson. During the second of two off weeks in a three-week span, the subject of Belichick’s future with the Tar Heels was a hot topic, so much so that last Wednesday the university released brief statements from the coach and athletics director reaffirming commitments between Belichick and the school.… Continue Reading
Bill Belichick’s first season at North Carolina has run into problems both on and off the field. The Tar Heels are 2-3 but have lost in lopsided fashion in all three of their games against power-conference opponents. A person with knowledge of the situation said the school has also suspended an assistant coach while it looks into potential NCAA rules violations tied to improper benefits. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the school hasn’t publicly discussed the suspension. UNC is off this week and next plays at California on Oct. 17.… Continue Reading
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Clemson coach Dabo Swinney found reason for optimism while North Carolina coach Bill Belichick found only more of the same struggles in Saturday’s meeting. Clemson won 38-10 on the road. That included scoring 28 points in the first quarter. Both teams were coming off an open date after struggles in September. It marked UNC’s third blowout loss to a power-conference opponent in as many games this year for the 73-year-old Belichick. It marked the second time this year that the Tar Heels played much of the second half in a largely empty home stadium due to a lopsided score.… Continue Reading
Dabo Swinney is excited to coach against Bill Belichick on Saturday when Clemson faces North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Despite both teams’ rough starts, Swinney sees this as a unique opportunity. It’s only the second time in college football history that a coach with multiple national championships faces another with multiple Super Bowl titles. Swinney’s Tigers have struggled, starting 1-3, while Belichick’s Tar Heels have also been a disappointment. The game was expected to be played in prime time, but instead will be a noon kickoff, with rapper Ludacris performing a pregame concert at 9:40 a.m.… Continue Reading
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Gio Lopez combined for three touchdowns and freshman Demon June rushed for 148 yards and a score as North Carolina beat Richmond 41-6 for its first win at Kenan Stadium under coach Bill Belichick. The Tar Heels scored on their first four possessions and jumped to a 20-0 lead in the first half.… Continue Reading
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
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