Could this be the 2025 college football move that creates a brand new dynasty? Or just more rumors?
NFL coaching legend Bill Belichick has reportedly interviewed for the University of North Carolina head coaching vacancy, marking his first formal discussion with a college program since leaving the New England Patriots in 2023.
“He blew them away in the interview,” reported Andrew Carter of The News & Observer. “Belichick’s interest is high, and genuine.” However, Carter noted the hire could still be a longshot due to Belichick’s age.
Belichick, who turns 73 in April, would replace Mack Brown, who was fired after going 113-79-1 over two tenures with the Tar Heels. Brown, 73, was college football’s only 70+ head coach in 2024. The team finished 6-6 this season after going 9-5 in 2022.
Despite never coaching college football, Belichick has deep connections to the game. His father was a longtime Navy assistant, and he maintains a close friendship with former Alabama coach Nick Saban.
His son Steve currently serves as Washington’s defensive coordinator, and Belichick was named after his godfather, Hall of Fame Wittenberg and Vanderbilt coach Bill Edwards.
The six-time Super Bowl champion previously declined NFL coordinator positions with the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, and was a candidate for the Atlanta Falcons head coaching job. He’s spent the 2024 season working in television, including regular appearances on ESPN’s “Manningcast.”
Belichick’s credentials are unmatched in NFL history. He holds league records for most Super Bowl wins (6), Super Bowl appearances (9), playoff victories (19), and division championships (17). He joins Don Shula and George Halas as the only coaches to surpass 300 career wins. During his 24-year tenure with the Patriots, the team posted a 266-121 record.
North Carolina’s coaching search includes other candidates like Tulane coach Jon Sumrall and Georgia defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann. Former Falcons coach Arthur Smith, a UNC alumnus, has withdrawn from consideration. CBS Sports ranks the Tar Heels’ opening as the top available job in college football, with UCF, West Virginia, and Purdue the only other power conference positions currently vacant.
Brown will not coach the Tar Heels in their upcoming bowl game as the university seeks to quickly name his successor.