Since the surprising announcement of Bill Belichick becoming the newest head coach of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, many analysts and former players have given their opinion of what this relationship may look like. Recently, former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman presented his view of what Belichick can bring to the UNC football program.
Edelman played under Belichick in New England between 2009 and 2020, spending his entire career with the Pats and Belichick in the process. The three-time Super Bowl champion Edelman enjoyed an impressive career for the Patriots, finishing his playing days with 620 receptions, 6,822 receiving yards, and 36 receiving touchdowns.
What Did Julian Edelman Say About Bill Belichick and UNC?
Edelman highlighted how Belichick has valuable abilities that could positively impact his arrival and tenure at UNC. First, he explained how Belichick is great at “projecting players.” Citing lower draft picks such as himself, Tom Brady, and Rob Gronkowski as examples, he explained how Belichick has a history of drastically developing the talent he is given.
Second, he detailed Belichick’s familial roots, namely his father coaching UNC in the past, as a reason why Bill will be all in for the Tar Heels and wants to ensure the program succeeds while he is there.
In response to the video of Edelman, UNC football’s official X (formerly known as Twitter) profile reposted the clip and added the caption “Line is gonna be long 🤝
@Edelman11”
Line is gonna be long 🤝 @Edelman11 pic.twitter.com/PqysB5HIcx
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) December 19, 2024
Can Bill Belichick Transform UNC Football?
Though Belichick has never coached at the college football level, there is no doubting the impact he can have at this point in his career. Belichick is a six-time Super Bowl champion head coach and is widely regarded as one of the greatest NFL coaches of all time. As a result, though many expected his return to coaching to be at the professional level, Belichick has the skills and résumé to drastically improve the Tar Heels program.
During the 2024 campaign, the Tar Heels struggled in the ACC, going 6-6 overall and only 3-5 against conference opponents. Due to this disappointing season, the program parted ways with its head coach Mack Brown.
Though it remains to be seen how the relationship between Belichick and UNC truly does play out, it is evident that Belichick has the ability to transform the Tar Heels into one of the dominant football programs in the nation in the coming seasons.