• Loading stock data...
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Belichick Makes UNC Intentions Clear: ‘I Didn’t Come Here to Leave’

Bill Belichick has been hired as North Carolina’s new football coach. Belichick, 72, called coaching in college a “dream come true” and something he doesn’t plan on giving up.

Jim Dedmon/Imagn Images

Bill Belichick was formally introduced as North Carolina’s new football coach Thursday afternoon, and the six-time Super Bowl–winning head coach made his intentions for the job clear.

“I didn’t come here to leave,” he told the media gathered in Chapel Hill less than 24 hours after his surprising move to college became official.

Belichick was asked whether he would consider returning to the NFL if he had success coaching in college—something he called a “dream come true.” Still, Belichick admitted transitioning from the professional ranks wasn’t initially on his mind. “College kind of came to me this year,” he said. “I didn’t necessarily go and seek it out.”

But despite already spending nearly 50 years in football, Belichick, who will turn 73 before next season begins, reiterated he still loves coaching. “I feel like doing it for a long time,” he said. UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham said Belichick is an “absolute perfect fit for us at this time.” 

Game Time

Belichick said Cunningham and UNC chancellor Lee Roberts “made a great commitment” to the football program. His contract is for five years, reported to be worth $10 million annually, and UNC’s yearly NIL (name, image, and likeness) budget is said to be increasing from $4 million to $20 million, according to multiple reports.

UNC run game coordinator and tight ends coach Freddie Kitchens, who was already set to lead the Tar Heels as interim head coach in the Fenway Bowl against UConn on Dec. 28, will also be the first hire of Belichick’s new staff, which Belichick said will have “a strong presence of NFL people.” Kitchens has coached for four NFL teams, including one year as the Browns head coach. Belichick’s son, Steve, who coached under his father in New England, was Washington’s defensive coordinator this season.

Belichick touted the abilities of Michael Lombardi, who he has worked with in the NFL, and is becoming UNC football’s GM. “He has a great knowledge of the general manager role in this type of position … as well as dealing with some version of the salary cap,” Belichick said.

The Belichick Effect

At UNC, Belichick has a chance to have a Deion Sanders–like impact on the program off the field, too.

In 2024, UNC’s average home game attendance of 47,686 ranked 47th among FBS teams and eighth in the 17-team ACC. Kenan Memorial Stadium has a capacity of 50,500. 

Season tickets did not sell out this year as they did in 2023—although it is unclear how many UNC made available. Last season, the Tar Heels nearly averaged a sellout, drawing 50,095 fans per game.

On TV, only one of UNC’s games this season drew more than one million viewers—the season opener against Minnesota, which had an audience of 1.83 million on Fox. The Tar Heels were not sought after by networks this season. No games appeared on ESPN—the ACC’s primary network partner—with just two ending up on ESPN2, three on The CW, and five on ACC Network, which is not Nielsen-rated.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Dec 14, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; President Donald Trump wave during the second quarter of the game between the Navy Midshipmen and the Army Black Knights at Lincoln Financial Field

‘Political Gold’: Trump Putting His Stamp on College Sports 

Trump has embraced executive action on hot-button college sports issues.
Chad Ochocinco

Shannon Sharpe, Chad Ochocinco Settle $20 Million Defamation Suit 

It’s the second multimillion-dollar lawsuit Sharpe has settled in recent weeks.

WNBA Struggling to Prevent Repeat Dildo Incidents

The league appears to have no answers to the copycats plaguing games.
NC State

NC State ‘Cardiac Pack’ Team Loses NCAA Suit for NIL Back Pay

The 1983 team was among college basketball’s greatest Cinderella stories. 

Featured Today

Inked Under Anesthesia: Athletes Getting $50,000 Tattoos

High-end studios, elite artist teams, and hours under anesthesia.
Coco Gauff at New York Liberty
August 2, 2025

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.

Three Schools Sue Mountain West, Commish Over Withheld Funds

Boise State, Colorado State, and Utah State intensified the court battle.
May 4, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; The BYU Cougars against the Long Beach State 49ers at St. John Arena
August 4, 2025

Federal Judge Tells Stephen F. Austin to Reinstate Women’s Sports Teams

Schools may not be able to follow through on threats of cuts.
August 4, 2025

March Madness Fields Will Stay Put at 68—at Least Until 2027

NCAA tournament expansion is still on the table for 2027.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
Stanford
August 1, 2025

John Donahoe Taking Over Stanford Sports After Rocky Nike Tenure

John Donahoe will be Stanford’s AD after a four-year stint running Nike.
NCAA Track
July 31, 2025

NIL Collectives Can Still Pay College Athletes, With Some Restrictions

NIL collectives will still play a pivotal role in recruiting.
Rutgers
July 28, 2025

Rutgers Finds New Athletic Director After Almost a Year

Rutgers’s previous athletic director, Pat Hobbs, resigned in August 2024.
Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Mitchell Evans (88) runs the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half in the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
July 25, 2025

‘More Bark Than Bite’: What Trump’s Executive Order Means for College Sports

“This all comes down to Congress and the courts.”