Bill Belichick and North Carolina
Been thinking a lot about Bill Belichick becoming the new head football coach for the Tar Heels.
So when do we see ESPN's Nick Saban do a sit down interview with new North Carolina coach Bill Belichick? My guess is fairly soon. Reminder that Saban is a good friend of Bill's and even used to work for him with the Cleveland Browns. They probably won't mention recruiting or ratings but that's precisely the reasons each side will do this interview. This will be done on College Gameday maybe even today. This would maximize Belichick's effect in getting players from the transfer portal.
As for why ESPN would want to do the interview - its simple: ratings! Look for the number of Tar Heel games televised by ESPN to skyrocket including the opener against TCU. Belichick will continue his regular appearances on the Pat MacAfee show on ESPN which again should help the network's ratings and Belichick's exposure to college age athletes who may improve Bill’s football program.
Keep noticing that something naysayers like to say programs like Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State already have these pro-like amenities and requirements Belichick is promising to bring in place. Do these people even hear themselves because suddenly the mere presence of Belichick is elevating lowly North Carolina to the same levels as these college football blue bloods in their minds. That's a reason to justify the hire - not knock it.
Meanwhile reportedly UNC will pay Belichick $10 million a year. That's the same amount they were paying Mac Brown but with Bill now the entire program is elevated to the same level as college football's blue bloods - for the same cost!
Naysayers also compare former pro coaches like Herm Edwards to Bill Belichick. When has anyone ever compared Edwards to Belichick with a straight face? The comparison to Bill Walsh who left the 49ers after winning Super Bowls to coach at Stanford for three years is apt but keep in mind Walsh stepped down from the 49ers because he was burnt out. Belichick seems far from burnt out.
Another good parallel is the effect that Deion Sanders has had on Colorado's program. The Buffaloes were perhaps the worst team in college football before Deion's arrival but in just his second year the team almost won the Big 12 and is going to a bowl game for the first time in years. North Carolina is starting from a much better position than Colorado and while Fox Sports saturated college football Saturday's with coverage of the Buffaloes and Deion - look for ESPN to do the same with the Tar Heels this season plus Belichick's appearances on the MacAfee show during the week. Look for ESPN's ratings boost to be exponential.
Many have pointed out that not only is Bill Belichick considered by many to be the best coach in history but that a football program is only as good as the players on its roster. Think the point is well made that many athletes whose dad was a coach or played in the NFL will want their kid to experience Bill Belichick as a coach. Have you heard former New England players rave about Belichick? This should give North Carolina a big recruiting advantage. In addition to all the exposure of the program on ESPN keep in mind Lawrence Taylor went to North Carolina. Belichick has consistently called Taylor the best defensive player he ever coached. Will Taylor now help him with recruiting?
Also don't be surprised if Belichick finally reaches out to new Patriots head coach Jared Mayo to say he'd be reaching out to QB Drake Maye who went to North Carolina to assist with QB recruiting. Don't be surprised if Tom Brady is also approached to do the same (as long as Michigan isn't also in the mix for the same player).
Not surprising but Mike Lombardi is leaving VSIN to be Belichick’s GM at UNC. The coaching staff will also probably be full of coaches with NFL experience. Have to think that Steve Belichick will join the UNC staff as defensive coordinator and that Bill might teach a class on leadership and coaching that will double as both a way to instruct current players and as recruiting tool. Don't be surprised if these classes are posted to YouTube or X including guest lectures by people like Brady, Belichick, Dante Scarnecchia and others.
I fully admit that I'm optimistic about this move but I view success as 9 win seasons and a bowl game every year plus perennially being in contention for an ACC title. If you were a UNC fan wouldn't you have the same standard? And in this age of NIL - Belichick would carry a lot of weight with NFL sponsors - increasing that NIL kitty, and perhaps the most famous Carolina alum is Michael Jordan so look for his brand to be involved. Plus keep in mind that the NFL's starting salary is currently $795,000 which is like having hidden NIL money for players who want to bet on themselves and be coached up to be NFL ready.
Have to wonder how Dallas Cowboy's message boards are reacting to Bill Belichick taking the UNC coaching job and them maybe having another year of Mike McCarthy. Same for other teams with upcoming coaching opens.
Meanwhile we're on to TCU.