Bill Belichick’s failings at UNC underline one thing: He thinks he’s bigger than the job

SPORTIVO
Article arrow_drop_down

Bill Belichick and the unaccountable band of cronies and flunkies that followed him to North Carolina have failed to grasp one fundamental principle of college sports.

Even for the most successful coach in the history of the NFL, the program and the players always come first.

Advertisement

That means you don’t bring the petty feuds that followed you from the New England Patriots into the building. It means you don’t fly off to Nantucket with your girlfriend during the bye week when your team is failing on practically every front. It means that when you gut a roster from the previous regime to bring in your own people, you better actually upgrade the talent instead of throwing darts at the transfer portal like it doesn’t matter because you don’t believe the competition is worthy of trading X for O with your genius.

Belichick has failed on every account because those around him either don’t understand the job or don’t take it seriously, and as a result they have reached the midway point of the season as one of the biggest laughingstocks in the recent history of the sport.

Sure, North Carolina fans and boosters were fired up when Belichick arrived last December to begin a unique experiment that had the potential to work if done correctly. But interpreting that excitement as a mandate to replace with Tar Heel brand with Belichick, his various trademarks and Jordon Hudson’s film projects is a fundamental misreading of the job he took.

Bill, here’s some free advice: At North Carolina, they don’t care about you enough to put up with all this.

Advertisement

You’re not one of them. They merely hired you to do a job. And if you don’t want to do it, rest assured they will find someone else who will.

Maybe Monday’s kerfuffle will be a wake-up call.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 20: Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts in the first half of a game against the UCF Knights at FBC Mortgage Stadium on September 20, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

UNC coach Bill Belichick and the Tar Heels are off to a rocky start this season. (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

(Julio Aguilar via Getty Images)

It started with a social media post from Inside Carolina, which claimed — citing anonymous sources — that North Carolina’s official accounts had not promoted anything about former Tar Heel quarterback Drake Maye’s fantastic performance in a win over the Buffalo Bills Sunday night because the social media staff was under a directive not to post anything related to the Patriots.

It’s a believable story for two reasons. For one, North Carolina’s official account on X/Twitter posted video of Maye’s highlights after the Inside Carolina story started blowing up. And secondly, Belichick admitted a couple weeks ago that Patriots scouts were not allowed in North Carolina’s building.

Advertisement

“It’s clear I’m not welcome there around their facility,” he told reporters. “And so they’re not welcome at ours. It’s pretty simple.”

There has rarely been a clearer example of a college coach publicly and proudly putting his own ego ahead of his players’ interests. There are only 32 NFL teams. How does it serve the players or the program to ban one of them from practice because the head coach has a grudge against an NFL owner that fired him?

But this kind of over-the-top arrogance isn’t a one-off. It’s been the attitude around North Carolina since they got there.

[Yahoo Sports TV is here! Watch live shows and highlights 24/7]

Here’s another example. Back in March, several reporters trekked to Chapel Hill — including this one — for North Carolina’s first pro day under Belichick. The reason was simple: For decades, new coaches have used pro days as an opportunity to generate media attention during a lull in the calendar and to publicly show support for players who are ostensibly going to represent your program in the NFL.

Advertisement

It’s perhaps a small thing, but it’s just part of what you do as a college coach to connect past with future, to deepen relationships and to show you care about guys who wore the uniform even if you didn’t coach them.

Belichick never showed his face even for a minute. Nor did Mike Lombardi, the Tar Heels’ general manager.

The explanation from UNC officials who were there? Those were Mack Brown’s guys. Belichick and Lombardi were busy trying to put together their team.

Given that North Carolina has lost to its three power conference opponents by an average of 29 points, just imagine how much worse things might be if Belichick had taken 45 minutes out of one day in the spring to demonstrate publicly that he cared about the entire program rather than just himself.

Advertisement

Then again, maybe we shouldn’t have expected these guys to understand what’s important in college football when they’ve spent every day since demonstrating clearly that they do not.

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 13: Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels and Jordon Hudson look on prior to the game against the Richmond Spiders at Kenan Memorial Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)

UNC coach Bill Belichick’s girlfriend Jordon Hudson has been a fixture on the sidelines of Tar Heels games this season. (Lance King/Getty Images)

(Lance King via Getty Images)

Here’s what Belichick doesn’t seem to get: North Carolina fans cared about that program long before he got there and will care long after he’s gone. They own it. He is simply passing through.

So when Drake Maye is the talk of the country for winning an NFL game, you can either use that to promote the college program he played for or resist it because the current jersey he’s wearing is inconvenient to the head coach’s interests.

Advertisement

And when you see something like that and realize how narrowly Belichick and his inner circle view the job they have, all their other mistakes make perfect sense.

Making Steve Belichick the defensive coordinator and Brian Belichick the defensive backs coach? Good for the Belichicks, bad for North Carolina.

Making Matt Lombardi the quarterbacks coach? Good for the Lombardis, bad for North Carolina.

Having Hudson on the field for pre-game warmups where everyone can snap pictures of her? Good for Hudson, bad for North Carolina.

Going on a promotional tour for Belichick’s book this past summer? Good for Belichick, his literary agent and the never-ending content machine, but how did any of that help North Carolina land a recruit?

Advertisement

Skipping town during the bye week after getting blown out by UCF only for photographers to catch Belichick and Hudson holding hands on the boardwalk in Nantucket? Unnecessary, unprofessional and wholly unserious.

If Belichick wants to treat this job like the NFL, he and his staff need to recruit players who are talented enough to get there — period.

The genius act doesn’t work in college football. It never has and never will. Nobody understood that better than Nick Saban, who famously asked former Alabama athletics director Mal Moore on the flight from Miami to Tuscaloosa whether he thought Alabama had just hired the best coach in the country.

When Moore said yes, Saban immediately corrected him.

Advertisement

“Well, you didn’t — I’m nothing without my players,” Saban said, according to a 2015 biography by Monte Burke. “But you did just hire a helluva recruiter.”

This is a talent procurement game, and every bit of effort that is not deployed in the service of getting great players to North Carolina makes Belichick’s résumé irrelevant and diminishes his legacy as a coach.

At some point, before it’s too late, somebody in Chapel Hill needs to knock on his door and make that crystal clear.

So far, every moment of the Belichick experience has been about him, his girlfriend, his family and his friends. That’s not going to work.

It can only be about the players and the program. And if Belichick doesn’t understand that, it won’t be his to captain for very long.

This news was originally published on this post .

About the author

About the author call_made

SPORTIVO

More posts

“Tengo la fecha de la final del Mundial tatuada por la espina que se sacó Messi”

Franco Mastantuono tiene 18 años y es argentino. Si p y q, entonces r. Es de lógica que su gran ídolo sea Leo Messi. El jugador del Real Madrid, que ya dejó clara su admiración por el 10 en su presentación con el conjunto blanco, ha vuelto a hacer referencia a esa devoción por Messi en una entrevista con ESPN.Mastantuono explicó el significado de su tatuaje con la fecha de la final del Mundial de 2022 que le ganó Argentina a Francia: "Tengo la fecha tatuada (18/12/2022) por la Selección Argentina pero sobre todo por la espina que se sacó Leo. Fue lo mejor que nos pudo pasar".Di María sobre Mastantuono: "Tiene mucha más calidad que yo"DSPORTSEn esa entrevista en el programa F3 de ESPN, el madridista recuerda cómo vivió aquella final de Qatar: "Me acuerdo de la final con Francia […]

Retirement for LeBron James? Absolutely not. He could play until he’s 50 at an All-Star level if he wanted

LeBron James recently fueled speculation about a potential retirement after starring in Hennessey's new commercial titled Second Decision. However, for Fox Sports analyst Nick Wright, the idea of James stepping away from the game anytime soon is far from reality. In his view, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar still has plenty left in the tank-enough, in fact, to continue dominating the NBA for years to come, even into his 50s.I think LeBron could play at an All-Star level. Right now, he's at an All-NBA level. I think he could play at an All-Star level until he's close to 50,."... "When he quits, it's going to be because either his family wants him to or there's nothing left to do. We were expecting the age curve 10 years ago. And instead, what we have gotten is a slight one or two […]

Arturo Gatti Jr. Cause of Death: Son of legendary boxer tragically passes away at 17 years old

The boxing world is once again in mourning this week, as Arturo Gatti Jr. has died at the young age of 17. It was a stunning development that sent shockwaves throughout the industry. A 17-year-old passing away is horrible in and of itself, but Gatti Jr.'s death hits home especially hard due to the circumstances surrounding his father's death.Arturo Gatti, a two-weight class world champion during the 1990s and 2000s, took his own life at 37 years old in July of 2009. He was found dead in a hotel in Brazil, while he was on vacation with his wife and son, Gatti Jr. Despite theories that Gatti was actually murdered, it continues to be deemed a suicide by hanging by authorities to this day.Manchester City pays homage to boxing legend and Cityzens fan Ricky HattonArturo Gatti Jr. dies in suicide […]

Textor diz que ninguém quis assumir o Botafogo após saída de Artur Jorge

John Textor em jogo do Botafogo. Foto AlamyDepois de uma temporada histórica em 2024, o Botafogo vive um ano marcado por frustrações. Quem afirmou isso foi o próprio John Textor, que classificou o desempenho como “fracasso” e admitiu ter dificuldade para achar um novo técnico. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADEO time carioca não levantou nenhum troféu até o momento e tenta agora ao menos garantir vaga na próxima edição da Libertadores. Em entrevista ao GE, o dono da SAF alvinegra, John Textor, fez uma avaliação sincera sobre o clube.“Começamos o ano muito mal. Tivemos um treinador (Renato Paiva) com um ótimo sistema de jogo, mas acho que ele o abandonou. Estamos em quarto lugar no Brasileirão. Estou feliz? Eu disse que seria um fracasso se não vencêssemos nada, então é um fracasso. É difícil remotivar o elenco”, disse o empresário. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADETextor cita […]

Filho de Romário convive com guerra na Ucrânia e relata rotina com bombardeiros

Romarinho joga num clube na Ucrânia Foto: DivulgaçãoA experiência do jogador foi detalhada em um episódio da série “Futebol na Guerra”, apresentada pelo jornalista Cartolouco em seu canal do YouTube. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADEA ida de Romarinho para a zona de conflito, segundo ele, teve o surpreendente aval e incentivo do próprio pai. “Quando surgiu a oportunidade, meu pai se amarrou na ideia, botou muita pilha para eu vir. A iniciativa foi mais dele que minha,” declarou o atacante.Contudo, após presenciar a realidade local, a família do jogador tentou persuadi-lo a retornar. “Aqui acontece muito bombardeio e mostrei isso pra minha família. Aí, quando voltei de férias, pediram para que eu não voltasse mais,” afirmou. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADEApesar dos apelos, Romarinho demonstra resiliência. Com mais três meses de contrato com o UCSA, o jogador não manifesta a intenção de deixar o país neste […]

Flick aprova, e Barcelona define sucessor de Lewandowski

Barcelona está se concentrando em joia do Borussia Dortmund para substituir Lewandowski (Foto: © Matthieu Mirville/ZUMA Press Wire)O Barcelona certamente precisará fazer ajustes no setor ofensivo durante a próxima janela de transferências de verão. Isso porque o contrato de Robert Lewandowski expira em junho de 2026, e não está descartada sua saída do clube catalão. No entanto, o cenário mais provável no momento é que o jogador polonês permaneça, mas assuma um papel de reserva. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADEDe qualquer forma, o clube precisará contratar um novo centroavante de alto nível. Nesse contexto, muitos nomes têm sido mencionados na mídia recentemente, mas a decisão de Hansi Flick já foi tomada. De acordo com informações do portal “El Nacional”, o Barcelona recebeu a recomendação de contratar Serhou Guirassy, atacante do Borussia Dortmund.O jogador de 29 anos é a escolha de Flick e deve […]

Related

“Tengo la fecha de la final del Mundial tatuada por la espina que se sacó Messi”

Franco Mastantuono tiene 18 años y es argentino. Si p y q, entonces r. Es de lógica que su gran ídolo sea Leo Messi. El jugador del Real Madrid, que ya dejó clara su admiración por el 10 en su presentación con el conjunto blanco, ha vuelto a hacer referencia a esa devoción por Messi en una entrevista con ESPN.Mastantuono explicó el significado de su tatuaje con la fecha de la final del Mundial de 2022 que le ganó Argentina a Francia: "Tengo la fecha tatuada (18/12/2022) por la Selección Argentina pero sobre todo por la espina que se sacó Leo. Fue lo mejor que nos pudo pasar".Di María sobre Mastantuono: "Tiene mucha más calidad que yo"DSPORTSEn esa entrevista en el programa F3 de ESPN, el madridista recuerda cómo vivió aquella final de Qatar: "Me acuerdo de la final con Francia […]

Retirement for LeBron James? Absolutely not. He could play until he’s 50 at an All-Star level if he wanted

LeBron James recently fueled speculation about a potential retirement after starring in Hennessey's new commercial titled Second Decision. However, for Fox Sports analyst Nick Wright, the idea of James stepping away from the game anytime soon is far from reality. In his view, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar still has plenty left in the tank-enough, in fact, to continue dominating the NBA for years to come, even into his 50s.I think LeBron could play at an All-Star level. Right now, he's at an All-NBA level. I think he could play at an All-Star level until he's close to 50,."... "When he quits, it's going to be because either his family wants him to or there's nothing left to do. We were expecting the age curve 10 years ago. And instead, what we have gotten is a slight one or two […]

Arturo Gatti Jr. Cause of Death: Son of legendary boxer tragically passes away at 17 years old

The boxing world is once again in mourning this week, as Arturo Gatti Jr. has died at the young age of 17. It was a stunning development that sent shockwaves throughout the industry. A 17-year-old passing away is horrible in and of itself, but Gatti Jr.'s death hits home especially hard due to the circumstances surrounding his father's death.Arturo Gatti, a two-weight class world champion during the 1990s and 2000s, took his own life at 37 years old in July of 2009. He was found dead in a hotel in Brazil, while he was on vacation with his wife and son, Gatti Jr. Despite theories that Gatti was actually murdered, it continues to be deemed a suicide by hanging by authorities to this day.Manchester City pays homage to boxing legend and Cityzens fan Ricky HattonArturo Gatti Jr. dies in suicide […]

Textor diz que ninguém quis assumir o Botafogo após saída de Artur Jorge

John Textor em jogo do Botafogo. Foto AlamyDepois de uma temporada histórica em 2024, o Botafogo vive um ano marcado por frustrações. Quem afirmou isso foi o próprio John Textor, que classificou o desempenho como “fracasso” e admitiu ter dificuldade para achar um novo técnico. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADEO time carioca não levantou nenhum troféu até o momento e tenta agora ao menos garantir vaga na próxima edição da Libertadores. Em entrevista ao GE, o dono da SAF alvinegra, John Textor, fez uma avaliação sincera sobre o clube.“Começamos o ano muito mal. Tivemos um treinador (Renato Paiva) com um ótimo sistema de jogo, mas acho que ele o abandonou. Estamos em quarto lugar no Brasileirão. Estou feliz? Eu disse que seria um fracasso se não vencêssemos nada, então é um fracasso. É difícil remotivar o elenco”, disse o empresário. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADETextor cita […]

Filho de Romário convive com guerra na Ucrânia e relata rotina com bombardeiros

Romarinho joga num clube na Ucrânia Foto: DivulgaçãoA experiência do jogador foi detalhada em um episódio da série “Futebol na Guerra”, apresentada pelo jornalista Cartolouco em seu canal do YouTube. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADEA ida de Romarinho para a zona de conflito, segundo ele, teve o surpreendente aval e incentivo do próprio pai. “Quando surgiu a oportunidade, meu pai se amarrou na ideia, botou muita pilha para eu vir. A iniciativa foi mais dele que minha,” declarou o atacante.Contudo, após presenciar a realidade local, a família do jogador tentou persuadi-lo a retornar. “Aqui acontece muito bombardeio e mostrei isso pra minha família. Aí, quando voltei de férias, pediram para que eu não voltasse mais,” afirmou. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADEApesar dos apelos, Romarinho demonstra resiliência. Com mais três meses de contrato com o UCSA, o jogador não manifesta a intenção de deixar o país neste […]

Flick aprova, e Barcelona define sucessor de Lewandowski

Barcelona está se concentrando em joia do Borussia Dortmund para substituir Lewandowski (Foto: © Matthieu Mirville/ZUMA Press Wire)O Barcelona certamente precisará fazer ajustes no setor ofensivo durante a próxima janela de transferências de verão. Isso porque o contrato de Robert Lewandowski expira em junho de 2026, e não está descartada sua saída do clube catalão. No entanto, o cenário mais provável no momento é que o jogador polonês permaneça, mas assuma um papel de reserva. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADEDe qualquer forma, o clube precisará contratar um novo centroavante de alto nível. Nesse contexto, muitos nomes têm sido mencionados na mídia recentemente, mas a decisão de Hansi Flick já foi tomada. De acordo com informações do portal “El Nacional”, o Barcelona recebeu a recomendação de contratar Serhou Guirassy, atacante do Borussia Dortmund.O jogador de 29 anos é a escolha de Flick e deve […]

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