Could A Super Bowl-Winning Coach Become UNC's Head Coach?
REPORT: 6X Super Bowl-Winning Coach Bill Belichick Interviewed For UNC Head Coach Job
Source: Perry Knotts / Getty
Could a 6x Super Bowl champion be considering a job at the University of North Carolina? Possibly!
Two people aware of the situation told the Associated Press (via WRAL) that Bill Belichick had interviewed for UNC’s head coaching vacancy this week. Both people spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity, as the school is not commenting on its search publicly.
Inside Carolina was the first to report news of Belichick’s interview with UNC on Thursday.
The Tar Heels are looking to replace former coach Mack Brown, the school’s all-time leader in football coaching victories. Brown was fired last month with three years left on his contract.
UNC athletics director Bubba Cunningham said on a school podcast Monday (Dec. 2) that he hopes to hire a coach within a week. He and a small advisory group have narrowed their list of about 30 names to about a dozen.
There will be virtual interviews with those candidates before in-person meetings between the finalists and a small contingent from UNC.
“How do we get to 10, 11 (wins)?” Cunningham said. “Who can get us to that level? … We need somebody to come in and take us from good to great. How do we compete for championships, ACC and national championships? And I think we can do that.”
It has been reported that Belichick wants to return to coaching after leaving the New England Patriots earlier this year. If UNC hires him, the 72-year-old would become FBS college football’s oldest active head coach.
As you know, Belichick served as the Patriots’ head coach for over 20 years (2000-2023), leading the team to six Super Bowl championships. However, Belichick does not have previous experience in coaching at the collegiate level.
Belichick faces stiff competition. Cunningham said, “All the coaches we’re talking to right now are playing. They’re continuing to be in championship games or the playoffs.”
Coaches that have been linked to the UNC position in the media include Jon Sumrall (Tulane), Barry Odom (UNLV), and Matt Campbell (Iowa State).
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