On Wednesday, the NFL and college football world was shocked when the legendary Bill Belichick agreed to become the next head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels.
You read that correctly. The 72-year-old Belichick, who won six Super Bowls as head coach of the New England Patriots, surprised everyone by accepting a college head coaching job.
It seems like a strange mix on paper. Belichick began his coaching career in the NFL in 1975. He’s never coached in the college game. And, as you know, college sports are rapidly changing with NIL and the transfer portal. Not only do you recruit high school players, but you recruit transfers and, at the end of each year, must recruit your own players to return, or they’ll leave for more money elsewhere.
Also, North Carolina isn’t necessarily a football powerhouse. And they just fired a 73-year-old coach. UNC is more known for its basketball program. However, some view the Tar Heels as a potential sleeping giant on the gridiron.
Perhaps it’s the greatest coach in football history who can help Carolina reach its ceiling.
Washington Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown is not so sure. Why is Brown commenting on Belichick and the Tar Heels? He’s a former star wideout for the Heels, becoming the first player in school history with 1,000 yards receiving in back-to-back seasons.
The fourth-year receiver was asked how he thought Belichick would do in the college game.
“I don’t know, I don’t know how that will work,” Brown said with a smile. “It’s a different ballgame out there now. However it happens, I hope he can recruit.”
Then JP Finlay of NBC Washington and 106.7 The Fan asked Brown how Belichick would respond if a 17-year-old told him he wasn’t making enough money.
“I don’t know; I guess he’s just going to tell him no. Tell him, ‘You don’t deserve that right now.'”
Former UNC receiver Dyami Brown has some reservations about Bill Belichick coaching the Tar Heels. pic.twitter.com/NWgUsiBKql
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) December 11, 2024
One former UNC star who once played for Belichick in the NFL, Lawrence Taylor, was thrilled with the hire.
It will be interesting to see how Belichick fills out his coaching staff, and you can bet the NFL world will be watching.
