Belichick’s $1.8M UNC deal gets locker room support after HC confusion cleared up

SPORTIVO
Article arrow_drop_down

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 .

About the author

About the author call_made

SPORTIVO

More posts

trending_flat
North Carolina’s hapless first-half display vs. Clemson leads fans streaming to the exits before halftime

Fans didn’t wait until halftime to get out of Kenan Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Bill Belichick’s North Carolina football team gave them no reason to wait.The Tar Heels trailed 35-3 to Clemson at halftime after a disastrous first half. The Tigers had 367 yards of offense on just 36 plays and scored four touchdowns in the first quarter.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementClemson even scored on its first offensive play. Cade Klubnik threw a backwards pass to wide receiver Antonio Williams who then hit T.J. Moore for a 75-yard TD.North Carolina mustered a field goal on its first offensive drive and things got way worse from there as Klubnik threw four touchdown passes over the next 20 minutes. Klubnik was 21-of-23 passing for 251 yards as North Carolina was hapless to defend Clemson’s passing attack.That aerial display from a Clemson offense that had struggled through […]

trending_flat
North Carolina’s hapless first-half display vs. Clemson leads fans streaming to the exits before halftime

Fans didn’t wait until halftime to get out of Kenan Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Bill Belichick’s North Carolina football team gave them no reason to wait.The Tar Heels trailed 35-3 to Clemson at halftime after a disastrous first half. The Tigers had 367 yards of offense on just 36 plays and scored four touchdowns in the first quarter.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementClemson even scored on its first offensive play. Cade Klubnik threw a backwards pass to wide receiver Antonio Williams who then hit T.J. Moore for a 75-yard TD.North Carolina mustered a field goal on its first offensive drive and things got way worse from there as Klubnik threw four touchdown passes over the next 20 minutes. Klubnik was 21-of-23 passing for 251 yards as North Carolina was hapless to defend Clemson’s passing attack.That aerial display from a Clemson offense that had struggled through […]

Pohroma pro Williams. Albon i Sainz byli diskvalifikováni

Problém obou vozů byl v rozměrech zadních křídel při otevření systému DRS. Mezera totiž podle technického ředitele Mezinárodní automobilové federace (FIA) Jo Bauera překročila maximální povolený rozměr 85 milimetrů. Ředitelství závodu tak muselo přikročit k diskvalifikaci obou vozů.„Obě části profilů zadního křídla musí mít mezeru v rozmezí od 9,4 milimetrů do 85 milimetrů. Tato mezera se měří sférickým měřidlem,“ stojí v technických regulích. „Během technické kontroly bylo zjištěno, že zadní křídla nejsou v souladu s předpisy,“ uvedli stevardi po kontrole Williamsů.„Pro nás je to velké zklamání a nyní vyšetřujeme, jak k této chybě došlo. V žádném případě jsme neusilovali o výkonnostní výhodu. Zadní křídla našimi kontrolami prošla, ale rozhodující je pouze jedno měření a výsledek od FIA plně akceptujeme,“ uvedl šéf stáje James Vowles.Dvojitá diskvalifikace Williamsu přišla poté, co v minulém závodě v Ázerbájdžánu ze stejných důvodů ředitelství závodu vyloučilo z kvalifikace Estebana Ocona na Haasu. Vowles i tak věří, že jeho piloti mají naděje na body.

Former NFL QB Mark Sanchez in critical condition after stabbing in Indianapolis

Former NFL quarterback turned broadcaster Mark Sanchez remains in critical condition after being stabbed early Saturday morning in downtown Indianapolis. According to TMZ Sports, police were alerted around 12:30 a.m. local time about two injured individuals; Sanchez was among them. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he remains hospitalized with serious injuries. Aaron Judge shares touching moment with wife and baby after Yankees' Game 3 winAt the time of the incident, Sanchez was in the city to perform commentary duties for Fox Sports, assigned to cover Sunday's game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Las Vegas Raiders. The severity of the stabbing and the circumstances surrounding it remain unclear, as investigators have yet to release details on motive or suspects. A veteran of a ten-season NFL career, Sanchez was originally selected fifth overall by the New York Jets in […]

trending_flat
Mark Sanchez, former NFL QB and current Fox analyst, in stable condition after being stabbed in Indianapolis

Mark Sanchez, a former NFL quarterback and current Fox Sports analyst, was stabbed in Indianapolis Saturday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Sanchez, 38, is in the hospital in stable condition.He was scheduled to call the Indianapolis Colts’ Week 5 home game against the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday.“Mark Sanchez was injured in Indianapolis on Saturday and is currently recovering in the hospital in stable condition," a statement from Fox Sports read Saturday."We are deeply grateful to the medical team for their exceptional care and support. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, and we ask that everyone please respect his and his family’s privacy during this time.”Before joining the broadcast booth, Sanchez spent 10 seasons in the NFL. The New York Jets drafted him No. 5 overall out of USC in 2009. Playing for Rex Ryan, Sanchez quarterbacked the Jets to back-to-back […]

trending_flat
Mark Sanchez, former NFL QB and current Fox analyst, in stable condition after being stabbed in Indianapolis

Mark Sanchez, a former NFL quarterback and current Fox Sports analyst, was stabbed in Indianapolis Saturday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Sanchez, 38, is in the hospital in stable condition.He was scheduled to call the Indianapolis Colts’ Week 5 home game against the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday.“Mark Sanchez was injured in Indianapolis on Saturday and is currently recovering in the hospital in stable condition," a statement from Fox Sports read Saturday."We are deeply grateful to the medical team for their exceptional care and support. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, and we ask that everyone please respect his and his family’s privacy during this time.”Before joining the broadcast booth, Sanchez spent 10 seasons in the NFL. The New York Jets drafted him No. 5 overall out of USC in 2009. Playing for Rex Ryan, Sanchez quarterbacked the Jets to back-to-back […]

Related

trending_flat
North Carolina’s hapless first-half display vs. Clemson leads fans streaming to the exits before halftime

Fans didn’t wait until halftime to get out of Kenan Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Bill Belichick’s North Carolina football team gave them no reason to wait.The Tar Heels trailed 35-3 to Clemson at halftime after a disastrous first half. The Tigers had 367 yards of offense on just 36 plays and scored four touchdowns in the first quarter.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementClemson even scored on its first offensive play. Cade Klubnik threw a backwards pass to wide receiver Antonio Williams who then hit T.J. Moore for a 75-yard TD.North Carolina mustered a field goal on its first offensive drive and things got way worse from there as Klubnik threw four touchdown passes over the next 20 minutes. Klubnik was 21-of-23 passing for 251 yards as North Carolina was hapless to defend Clemson’s passing attack.That aerial display from a Clemson offense that had struggled through […]

trending_flat
North Carolina’s hapless first-half display vs. Clemson leads fans streaming to the exits before halftime

Fans didn’t wait until halftime to get out of Kenan Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Bill Belichick’s North Carolina football team gave them no reason to wait.The Tar Heels trailed 35-3 to Clemson at halftime after a disastrous first half. The Tigers had 367 yards of offense on just 36 plays and scored four touchdowns in the first quarter.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementClemson even scored on its first offensive play. Cade Klubnik threw a backwards pass to wide receiver Antonio Williams who then hit T.J. Moore for a 75-yard TD.North Carolina mustered a field goal on its first offensive drive and things got way worse from there as Klubnik threw four touchdown passes over the next 20 minutes. Klubnik was 21-of-23 passing for 251 yards as North Carolina was hapless to defend Clemson’s passing attack.That aerial display from a Clemson offense that had struggled through […]

Pohroma pro Williams. Albon i Sainz byli diskvalifikováni

Problém obou vozů byl v rozměrech zadních křídel při otevření systému DRS. Mezera totiž podle technického ředitele Mezinárodní automobilové federace (FIA) Jo Bauera překročila maximální povolený rozměr 85 milimetrů. Ředitelství závodu tak muselo přikročit k diskvalifikaci obou vozů.„Obě části profilů zadního křídla musí mít mezeru v rozmezí od 9,4 milimetrů do 85 milimetrů. Tato mezera se měří sférickým měřidlem,“ stojí v technických regulích. „Během technické kontroly bylo zjištěno, že zadní křídla nejsou v souladu s předpisy,“ uvedli stevardi po kontrole Williamsů.„Pro nás je to velké zklamání a nyní vyšetřujeme, jak k této chybě došlo. V žádném případě jsme neusilovali o výkonnostní výhodu. Zadní křídla našimi kontrolami prošla, ale rozhodující je pouze jedno měření a výsledek od FIA plně akceptujeme,“ uvedl šéf stáje James Vowles.Dvojitá diskvalifikace Williamsu přišla poté, co v minulém závodě v Ázerbájdžánu ze stejných důvodů ředitelství závodu vyloučilo z kvalifikace Estebana Ocona na Haasu. Vowles i tak věří, že jeho piloti mají naděje na body.

Former NFL QB Mark Sanchez in critical condition after stabbing in Indianapolis

Former NFL quarterback turned broadcaster Mark Sanchez remains in critical condition after being stabbed early Saturday morning in downtown Indianapolis. According to TMZ Sports, police were alerted around 12:30 a.m. local time about two injured individuals; Sanchez was among them. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he remains hospitalized with serious injuries. Aaron Judge shares touching moment with wife and baby after Yankees' Game 3 winAt the time of the incident, Sanchez was in the city to perform commentary duties for Fox Sports, assigned to cover Sunday's game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Las Vegas Raiders. The severity of the stabbing and the circumstances surrounding it remain unclear, as investigators have yet to release details on motive or suspects. A veteran of a ten-season NFL career, Sanchez was originally selected fifth overall by the New York Jets in […]

trending_flat
Mark Sanchez, former NFL QB and current Fox analyst, in stable condition after being stabbed in Indianapolis

Mark Sanchez, a former NFL quarterback and current Fox Sports analyst, was stabbed in Indianapolis Saturday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Sanchez, 38, is in the hospital in stable condition.He was scheduled to call the Indianapolis Colts’ Week 5 home game against the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday.“Mark Sanchez was injured in Indianapolis on Saturday and is currently recovering in the hospital in stable condition," a statement from Fox Sports read Saturday."We are deeply grateful to the medical team for their exceptional care and support. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, and we ask that everyone please respect his and his family’s privacy during this time.”Before joining the broadcast booth, Sanchez spent 10 seasons in the NFL. The New York Jets drafted him No. 5 overall out of USC in 2009. Playing for Rex Ryan, Sanchez quarterbacked the Jets to back-to-back […]

trending_flat
Mark Sanchez, former NFL QB and current Fox analyst, in stable condition after being stabbed in Indianapolis

Mark Sanchez, a former NFL quarterback and current Fox Sports analyst, was stabbed in Indianapolis Saturday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Sanchez, 38, is in the hospital in stable condition.He was scheduled to call the Indianapolis Colts’ Week 5 home game against the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday.“Mark Sanchez was injured in Indianapolis on Saturday and is currently recovering in the hospital in stable condition," a statement from Fox Sports read Saturday."We are deeply grateful to the medical team for their exceptional care and support. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, and we ask that everyone please respect his and his family’s privacy during this time.”Before joining the broadcast booth, Sanchez spent 10 seasons in the NFL. The New York Jets drafted him No. 5 overall out of USC in 2009. Playing for Rex Ryan, Sanchez quarterbacked the Jets to back-to-back […]

Be the first to leave a comment

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sportivo bridges the gap between talent and opportunity.

About SPORTIVO

Sportivo Network is a dedicated social platform for sports enthusiasts, athletes, and scouts. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete looking for opportunities, a coach searching for talent, or simply a sports lover wanting to connect with like-minded people, Sportivo is your go-to network. With features like direct messaging, profile showcasing, and talent scouting, Sportivo bridges the gap between talent and opportunity. Here, you can share your achievements, interact with professionals, and open doors to the next level in your sports journey. Join Sportivo Network – because every great athlete deserves to be discovered!
Copyright © 2025 SPORTIVO News. and SPORTIVO Network. All rights reserved.

Login to enjoy full advantages

Please login or subscribe to continue.

Go Premium!

Enjoy the full advantage of the premium access.

Stop following

Unfollow Cancel

Cancel subscription

Are you sure you want to cancel your subscription? You will lose your Premium access and stored playlists.

Go back Confirm cancellation