Bill Belichick, the six-time Super Bowl champion and former mastermind behind the New England Patriots dynasty, is making big moves in the football world. This time, his boldest move wasn’t about securing another NFL title.
Instead, Belichick stunned the football world by stepping away from the professional ranks entirely, signing a five-year deal to become the North Carolina Tar Heels next head coach. Yet, he had other jobs on his radar.
Bill Belichick Found Chicago Bears Attractive
Before landing in Chapel Hill, Belichick weighed his options, meeting weekly with a select group of former New England Patriots assistants to analyze the NFL coaching landscape. Together, they discussed game trends, team needs, and potential openings.
According to ESPN senior writer Seth Wickersham, the Chicago Bears’ job stood out as the most attractive to Belichick, primarily due to their young quarterback, Caleb Williams. However, the team’s brass was unlikely to approach the 72-year-old head coach.
Bill Belichick thought the Bears were the NFL's most desirable head coaching vacancy 👀
Just more confirmation Chicago is the best job available for upcoming HC candidates. pic.twitter.com/3v42o1od83
— Bearsszn (@bearssznn) December 12, 2024
The New York Jets and New York Giants were ruled out due to old grievances and difficult rebuilding situations, while the Dallas Cowboys and Jacksonville Jaguars presented intriguing yet improbable opportunities.
Increasingly, it became clear that the NFL had moved on. Even Atlanta Falcons interviews from the last offseason cycle and minimal league interest further signaled that Belichick’s aura wasn’t what it once was.
Amid this, Belichick began exploring the college ranks, partly inspired by connections to programs where his family or former assistants worked. His son Stephen’s role at Washington and ties to Boston College and Ole Miss helped plant the seed. Ultimately, UNC emerged as the perfect fit, offering Belichick a chance to reshape his legacy.
The move marks a striking option for one of football’s greatest minds. Belichick might be trading the NFL spotlight for the challenges of recruiting and developing young talent, but his decision and North Carolina’s willingness to bring in a seasoned former coach like him from can help young players develop from an early age.
According to The Athletic, Belichick’s deal is valued at $50 million over a five-year term. The former Patriots HC is thrilled to step back into the ring at the college level, especially as it connects him to the memory of his father.
“I grew up around college football with my dad and treasured those times. I have always wanted to coach in college and now I look forward to building the football program in Chapel Hill,” said Belichick during his announcement.
𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: UNC's deal with Bill Belichick is for 3 years, $30 million, per @ralphDrussoATH https://t.co/xsgAM6hykG pic.twitter.com/f80DpDl31P
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 11, 2024
Belichick will fill the vacancy left by Mack Brown, who coached the Tar Heels for five years before his firing. Brown’s 288 wins in FBS history make him the eighth-most successful coach in college football, leaving massive shoes for Coach Belichick to fill.