Bill Belichick signed on as the head coach of the University of North Carolina’s football program, and it still doesn’t quite feel real.
The longtime head coach of the New England Patriots had one of the most illustrious coaching careers in NFL history. After his ouster from New England, Belichick sat out the 2024 season, so it was a bit shocking to see him take a gig in the college ranks.
With his first official press conference out of the way, fans finally saw the 72-year-old in UNC’s colors. Their reactions were understandably mixed.
Bill Belichick’s UNC Press Conference Draws Shocked Reactions From NFL Fans
Belichick fielded questions from the media following a spring practice session.
The full interview was shared by Inside Carolina.
Finally seeing the iconic head coach dressed up in garb that isn’t spotted with the Patriots’ logo certainly threw some fans off.
#UNC head coach Bill Belichick at his first spring football press conference.
Navy blue short sleeve Q-zip, Carolina blue shorts. pic.twitter.com/PjxCocw03Q
— Ross Martin (@RossMartinNC) March 5, 2025
Some fans were just happy to see Belichick back coaching again. After 24 consecutive years of helming the dynastic Patriots, 2024 was the first season since the turn of the millennia that he hadn’t walked a football sideline.
Although odd to see him in Carolina blue and in the ACC, I think it's pretty cool that Bill Belichick is going to be coaching again this Fall. https://t.co/qNM8nTZ2jr
— Ian Meropol (@IanMeropol) March 5, 2025
Some noticed that Belichick’s quarter-zip was a little fancier of a getup than the usual outfits he wore in New England, where he had earned himself the nickname of “Darth Hoodie”.
Get that man a short sleeve sweatshirt, stat!
— War Cardinal (@DatBeachBoy) March 5, 2025
And other fans couldn’t help but comment on just how weird it is seeing Belichick coach a team that isn’t owned by Robert Kraft.
Still feels weird😂😂
— NKY Bracket Guy (@BracketNky) March 5, 2025
Belichick’s contract with UNC is a five-year deal at a rate of roughly $10 million per season, but only the first three years are guaranteed.
Belichick will be one of eight coaches making at least $10 million per season in the collegiate ranks, joining Kirby Smart (Georgia), Dabo Swinney (Clemson), Steve Sarkisian (Texas), Lincoln Riley (USC), Ryan Day (Ohio State), Mike Norvell (Florida State), and Kalen DeBoer (Alabama).
He also gets incentives for regular season, intra-conference, and postseason performances. The most significant piece of his incentive structure is the team’s postseason performance. Belichick will be rewarded $200,000 for an ACC Championship Game appearance and an additional $300,000 if the Tar Heels win. He can also make up to $1.75 million if they win a College Football Playoff National Championship.
Since joining the ACC in 1953, the team has won five conference championships, with the most recent title coming in 1980. North Carolina has never won a national championship, nor has it ever appeared in a title game.
He does have a $10 million buyout before June 1, 2025, but with every head coach opening in the NFL filled, Belichick will all but certainly ride out the first year of his contract in North Carolina. When UNC plays their first game of the 2025 season, it’ll be even more surreal watching him call plays for a collegiate team.
He’ll have his work cut out for him, as the team finished 6-7 (3-5 in the ACC) in its first year after quarterback Drake Maye left for the NFL.