Earlier this week, rumors intensified about Bill Belichick potentially becoming the new head coach of the University of North Carolina. In response to this earlier today, former NFL safety Ryan Clark had some high praise for the former New England Patriots boss and the positive impact he can still make in the game of football.
Since mutually agreeing to part ways with the Patriots, Belichick has remained in the public eye through his numerous broadcast and analyst roles. However, the 72-year-old Belichick was recently spotted in attendance at an LSU football game, leading to rumors that his coaching days were not behind him.
What Did Ryan Clark Say About Belichick?
While discussing the UNC rumors on the popular ESPN show “Get Up,” Clark expressed how his preconceived notions of the seven-time Super Bowl winning coach were unfounded and how Belichick has taught him things about football that even he did not know.
“Bill Belichick in his very short time has talked about things on the macro level that I’ve never thought about,” Clark outlined.
"If I'm a team, I hire him and I hire him right now."
—@Realrclark25 on Bill Belichick's possible coaching return after interviewing for UNC's head coach vacancy 👀 pic.twitter.com/9vHWGvIgqW
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) December 6, 2024
He further praised Belichick and explained how teams in need of a coach should definitely come calling for his services.
“If I was a player, I would play for Bill Belichick. If I was a coach, I would coach with Bill Belichick. If Bill Belichick told me that I could go somewhere and be his assistant GM or GM, I would leave with Bill Belichick. If I’m a team, I hire him and I hire him right now,” he added.
Will Belichick Be the Next UNC Head Coach?
While it has not been officially confirmed, rumors began circulating that Belichick interviewed for the vacant UNC head coaching position after Mack Brown’s dismissal.
Should Belichick become the Tar Heels’ newest coach, there is no doubt many fans around football would be surprised by this decision. Though he stepped away at the conclusion of last season, there was a belief that Belichick would either return to the NFL ranks at some point in the future or remain an analyst. However, a move to the college level was never truly viewed as a possibility.
Since his coaching career began in 1975 with the Baltimore Colts, Belichick has never been in any coaching capacity or role at the college level. As a result, though the rumors have not been confirmed, Belichick committing to the Tar Heels’ football program would be a noteworthy one.