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Steve Belichick - English
WhenBill Belichick took the reins at the University of North Carolina, it marked a bold pivot for the legendary coach after decades in the NFL.
Armed with a $50 million deal and an extensive 400-page vision for overhauling the Tar Heels football program, Belichick quickly set to work reshaping the team from top to bottom.
The result was a nearly complete coaching staff overhaul-with just offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens surviving the transition.
While fans expected Belichick to bring in some trusted NFL names, the number of familiar faces raised eyebrows. Former Patriots personnel man Michael Lombardi came on board as General Manager.
Veteran special teams coach Mike Priefer joined the fold, and All-Pro linebacker Jamie Collins was named linebackers coach. But it was the appointment of Belichick’s sons-Steve as defensive coordinator and Brian as safeties coach-that drew the most scrutiny.
Reports initially suggested Belichick requested UNC designate Steve as “head coach in waiting,” a proposal the program reportedly declined. That narrative framed Steve’s hiring as a consolation prize, while critics questioned Brian’s lack of college football experience.
Steve and Brian Belichick begin to win over UNC locker room
Despite the initial skepticism, players inside the Tar Heels locker room have begun to rally around the Belichick brothers. Fourth-year safety Will Hardy spoke positively of the duo, emphasizing their flexibility and player-first approach.
“They both sort of lean their own way, but they give you freedom,” Hardy said. “I think that’s the best thing.
“They want the best players to play, and they’ll fit the scheme around the players… when you put the best players out there and you cater to them, you’ll have the most success.”
Steve Belichick‘s résumé backs up the praise. Before arriving at UNC, he orchestrated a dramatic defensive turnaround at Washington.
Under his leadership, the Huskies rose from 99th to 28th nationally in total defense and gave up only 166.5 passing yards per game-second-best in the country.
That performance inspired three defenders-Thaddeus Dixon, Peyton Waters, and Khmori House-to transfer to UNC with him.
Dixon cited his comfort with Steve‘s system as the main reason behind the move.
“Mainly just how comfortable I am with him and playing in his defense,” Dixon told 247Sports.
“Coach Steve runs a really good defense, and it really puts his players in the best position to make plays. So, just being in a defense I already had success in… it was an easy move.”
Steve spent over a decade with the New England Patriots, serving as defensive coordinator from 2019 to 2023.
Brian Belichick also logged nine years with the Patriots, including three as safeties coach. Combined, they’re earning $1.8 million this season-$1.3 million for Steve and $500,000 for Brian.
Meanwhile, Bill Belichick is defying old perceptions of his personality. Known for his terse media appearances and no-nonsense demeanor in the NFL, he’s showing a more relaxed side in Chapel Hill.
UNC wide receiver Jordan Shipp shared one such moment, recalling a light-hearted exchange during spring practice.
“You know, it catches you off guard,” Shipp said. “Even if it’s in the meetings, we’ll kind of laugh about a play.
“There was a play where I tripped during the spring, and I tripped right in front of him. And he was just kind of like, ‘you tripped on air, tripped on nothing’-a lot of the boys laughing.”
As Belichick settles into his new college football role, his staff choices are beginning to prove their worth. With player support growing and his sons earning respect on merit, UNC’s bold investment in the Belichick era is showing early promise.
The real test, of course, will come on the field. But in the locker room, at least, the foundation appears to be taking shape.
This news was originally published on this post .
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