Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick may return to the football field, only this time, at the collegiate level. Belichick and the University of North Carolina have been in serious discussions.
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On the Pat McAfee Show, Belichick not only shared why he’s a good candidate for the vacant position but also revealed his vision for the potential role.
“It seems like college football is more like pro football right now,” Belichick said. “I grew up around college football & I’ve had a chance this year to take a longer look at it. I’ve had a couple good conversations with Chancellor Roberts & we’ll see how it goes.”
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The world of college football has changed rapidly in recent years. There is now a 12-team Playoff. College players can make money through name, image, and likeness (NIL). Furthermore, the transfer portal era has also shifted college football in many ways.
Belichick was rather coy when he was asked about his discussions with North Carolina about the open head coaching spot, but made it clear he has a desire to coach.
“I don’t want to give up too much information, but I want to get my press conference aura back,” Belichick joked.
The NCAA transfer portal opens Monday, which leaves UNC’s roster in limbo. It’s uncertain how intense the talks have been between Belichick and the program; however, a decision could come today, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Belichick has clearly done his homework and already has a vision for what UNC’s program would be like with him at the helm.
“Let me put this in capital letters—IF—I was in a college program, the college program would be a pipeline to the NFL for the players that had the ability to play in the NFL,” Belichick said. “It would be a professional program training, nutrition, scheme, coaching, techniques that would transfer to the NFL. It would be an NFL program at a college level and an education that would get the players ready for their career after football. It would be geared to developing the player.”
The ever-changing world of college football has quickly transformed the landscape. Many iconic college coaches couldn’t or wouldn’t conform to the new changes, but it’s evident Belichick is willing to embrace a new dawn of college football.
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