• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Bill Belichick, UNC ‘Hard Knocks’ Deal Falls Through at Last Minute

Talks between Bill Belichick’s UNC program and “Hard Knocks” from HBO and NFL Films broke down at the last minute.

Dec 12, 2024; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels chancellor Lee Roberts presents a cut off sweatshirt to new head coach Bill Belichick at Loudermilk Center for Excellence.
Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Bill Belichick and North Carolina won’t be appearing on Hard Knocks after all.

Last week, Front Office Sports reported that the legendary former NFL head coach and his new college program were set to appear on the HBO docuseries

However, talks broke down at the last minute.

“NFL Films had discussions with Coach Belichick and UNC about appearing on Hard Knocks this offseason but couldn’t reach an agreement,” an NFL Media spokesperson told CBS Sports reporter Jonathan Jones in a statement. NFL Media encompasses NFL Films, which produces Hard Knocks. Jones reported that talks broke down at the last minute due to “creative control” issues. 

ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio reports that the deal was kiboshed at least in part because there was a cohort of NFL owners unhappy about lending the prestige of NFL Films to Belichick.

Nevertheless, it’s possible that another platform picks up the docuseries on Belichick’s program, a source told FOS

The program is likely to be produced by RedBird IMI-backed EverWonder Studio, which also produced “The Showdown” golf match, the Players Era NIL basketball tournament, and Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson, a source close to the situation said. (RedBird IMI is also an investor in Front Office Sports.)

“We’ve had a lot of offers from people all over to come in and look at our program and kind of do the behind-the-scenes things, but I don’t think anything’s yet been official or signed,” UNC GM Michael Lombardi told Pat McAfee last week.

Hard Knocks had sought to partner with the college program after NFL Films was unable to find a team willing to participate following last year’s series with the Giants. A scene where GM Joe Schoen made the decision not to retain Saquon Barkley was particularly stinging given how the season played out for both sides. 

However, while CBS reports it’s “unlikely” there will be a Hard Knocks centered on the offseason again this year, the annual show covering training camp will still air later this summer. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

‘Absolutely Ridiculous’: Trump Blasts NFL Over Bad Bunny Choice

The president predictably panned the NFL’s selection of the Puerto Rican superstar.
Maverick Carter, LeBron James
exclusive

New International Basketball League Plans Launch, Without Maverick Carter

The venture plans to launch men’s and women’s leagues next fall.
Nov 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of a Cleveland Browns helmet on a time out against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome.

Cleveland Takes New Shot at Blocking Browns’ $2.4B Stadium

A new lawsuit challenges a permit for the NFL team’s planned stadium.
Oct 4, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back DeShon Singleton (8) celebrates after making an interception during the game against Michigan State at Memorial Stadium.
exclusive

Big Ten Considering Investment From California Pension Fund

In the proposed deal, the Big Ten would spin off assets into a new entity.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Sep 20, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule walks onto the field before the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium.

Big Ten Teams Grapple With Long Flights, Time-Zone Hurdles

Coaches across the country are noticing some impact.
Oct 4, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) passes the ball during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Rose Bowl.
October 6, 2025

The Improbability of UCLA’s Incredible Upset Win Against Penn State

Before UCLA beat Penn State, donors were deeply unhappy.
October 7, 2025

NIL Hits Week 1: Auburn’s Atlanta Game Marks Next Step in Player..

The teams will play in the 2026 Aflac Kickoff Game.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Sep 27, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin reacts during the fourth quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Beaver Stadium.
October 6, 2025

Penn State Has a $50 Million James Franklin Problem

Franklin’s team lost to unranked UCLA on Saturday despite being heavy favorites.
October 5, 2025

CFB’s New Parity Era: Penn State, Texas Top-25 Exits Signal Shift

Penn State and Texas fall entirely out of the top-25 rankings.
Cody Campbell
October 4, 2025

Fox, ABC Reject Ad Accusing Power Conference Commissioners of Greed

Cody Campbell said the ads were pulled after he paid for them.
Florida State defensive back Renardo Green (8) tackles Miami running back Mark Fletcher Jr. (22) during a college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida.
October 2, 2025

Miami–Florida State Rivalry Heats Up With Priciest Ticket in CFB

The get-in price for Saturday’s matchup in Tallahassee is more than $300.