Let’s get down to brass tacks: Bill Belichick, the man who built the Patriots empire with Tom Brady under center? He’s bringing that same playbook to North Carolina. Ten million bucks a year? That’s just the down payment. He’s building his organizational bible, and it’s a stone-cold masterpiece. His ’25 coaching staff? It’s like a who’s who of NFL veterans. But here’s the real deal: Chapel Hill’s turning into a Patriots reunion. UNC ain’t just building a team, they’re building an NFL factory, and Belichick’s the foreman.

Remember when he first took the gig? Belichick laid it out plain as day: “The program would be a pipeline to the NFL for the players that have the ability to play in the NFL. It would be a professional program — training, nutrition, scheme, coaching, techniques — that would transfer to the NFL. It would be an NFL program at a college level.” And looking at his staff now, you know he wasn’t blowing smoke. Carolina Football even dropped the roster with a “Ready to coach ’em up this spring 🫡.”

First up is Steve Belichick, son of UNC head coach, a defensive mastermind with championship pedigree. After a season as Washington’s DC, he brings his wealth of experience to Chapel Hill. And before that? He spent 12 years shaping the Patriots’ defense, guiding them to 3 titles and 5 Super Bowl appearances. On top of that, from 2020 to 23, he called the plays for a defense that consistently ranked among the NFL’s best. And in 2023, his unit was dominant—3rd in opponent yards per play (4.7) and 6th in total defense. As of now, he takes the reins of Carolina’s defense, ready to make his mark.

Next up is Brian Belichick, the youngest of the Belichick coaching lineage. Bringing nine years of Patriots defensive expertise, he joins Chapel Hill as safeties coach, a role he earned after rising through New England’s ranks from scouting assistant in 2016. And along the way, he helped the Patriots secure two Super Bowl titles, proving his ability to develop elite defensive talent.

Thinking Patriots 2.0 or Belichick’s dynasty at UNC? Then hold onto your hats for the next name!

Joining the Belichicks is former All-Pro linebacker Jamie Collins. A force on the field now stepping into the coaching realm. As a Super Bowl champion with the Patriots, Collins made his mark as a disruptive playmaker, leading the league in forced fumbles in 2015. And now, he looks to instill that same defensive intensity in North Carolina.

Then, rounding out the group is former IMG Academy HC Billy Miller, a seasoned mentor with deep ties to player development. Right now, he brings a wealth of experience, having spent ten years at one of the best prep schools in the country and coaching special teams in New England under Bill Belichick. In order to improve the Tar Heels’ performance in all phases, he has joined UNC as a special teams assistant.

And let’s not forget Michael Lombardi, Belichick’s right-hand man for years—now he’s bringing his son Matt Lombardi to Chapel Hill too, making it a real family affair. A name with NFL pedigree and a sharp offensive mind. After a season at Oregon, where he helped mold Heisman finalist Dillon Gabriel and guided the Ducks to the top seed in the CFP, he now takes over as the Tar Heels’ QBs coach. And his job is to develop the next great UNC signal-caller and bring a pro-style edge to the offense.

Safe to say, with an NFL-heavy staff, the future in Chapel Hill looks promising. But star-studded resumes don’t guarantee championships. Success at the college level requires more than experience—it takes recruiting, culture-building, and adapting to the ever-changing game.

Bill Belichick’s first test is on its way

In just a month, Bill Belichick has made more headlines at UNC than he did in his final year with the Patriots. But ironically, all this attention might buy him time—time to work in the shadows, build his program, and prove himself at the college level. And Chris Hummer of CBS Sports even calls it one of the ‘biggest spring football questions.’

Right now, it’s all smiles—Pat McAfee interviews, courtside appearances, and headlines about his personal life. But make no mistake, Bill Belichick wasn’t hired for the show. North Carolina brought him in to win, and as Chris Hummer points out, the microscope is on him this spring. Let’s face it, first order of business? Figuring out his roster.

“There are roster questions to answer,” said Hummer. And the biggest is regarding quarterback. Max Johnson, the presumed starter, is still recuperating from a broken leg that kept him out of action for almost the whole year 2024. Can UNC rely on him to spearhead the attack? Or will the Tar Heels use the transfer portal to acquire an experienced player after spring? Belichick’s first significant decision is imminent, and time is running out.

Not only this, that’s just the beginning; the roster voids don’t stop at quarterback. “North Carolina must also find skill to replace superstar running back Omarion Hampton, the best tight end duo in the ACC (John Copenhaver, Bryson Nesbit), leading receiver (J.J. Jones), multiple impact starting offensive linemen, superstar pass rusher Kaimon Rucker, and almost every other member of its defensive line,” Hummer pointed out.

On top of that, Belichick’s arrival turned UNC into a transfer portal hotspot. As of now, new faces are flooding in, but chemistry takes time. However, decisions need to be made fast as spring football is here. Looks like the Tar Heels’ new head coach has no time to ease in.