There’s no doubt that Bill Belichick is one of the most successful gridiron football coaches ever. With eight Super Bowl wins under his belt, the former New England Patriots coach could have easily stepped away from the sport. But there’s still some fire in the legendary coach, as he will now lead UNC into the 2025 season for the first time as a CFB coach. But doesn’t it seem odd for Belichick to take this turn in his career at this point? Turns out, there are some political events involved in his arrival in North Carolina.

Before Belichick, the Tar Heels were led by Mack Brown. The latter held that position for a total of 15 years, spanning two tenures. Brown became UNC’s winningest coach with his second stint, boasting a total record of 113-79-1 over both his appointments. In between, he was the head coach of the mighty Texas Longhorns. He only recorded one season below 8 wins, and that was in 2010. Sadly, Brown was let go in 2024. Belichick, fresh off a poor 2023 season, also parted ways with the Patriots. To the common folk, it would seem like a fitting succession, or perhaps UNC got more than they deserved. An insider, however, shares that Belichick could land that coaching job only after some strings were pulled.

On March 28, Adam Breneman shared an insight into how Belichick had political help for his North Carolina role. “After leaving the Patriots in January 2024, his options of coaching in the NFL were little to none. By November, Belichick was calling his connections to see the head coaching landscape around the country. With UNC already having experience with an aging Hall of Famer, the move to North Carolina seemed like a perfect fit.”

Now is when the political aid comes in. “But Belichick first sent his formal interest to a longtime friend, Senator Marco Rubio (now Secretary of State), who then contacted Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina.”

Belichick met with UNC’s top brass early in December last year. And by the end of the month, he was formally introduced to college football as the new head coach of the Tar Heels. His contract is also stark in contrast to that of his predecessor. Belichick will receive $50 million in 5 years, which is “more than doubled Mack Brown’s yearly salary from before.”

“But more importantly, UNC gave Bill Belichick full autonomy over the football program,” Breneman noted. Belichick brought in trusted aide Mike Lombardi as general manager, who has more than 30 years of experience.

It’s no wonder that Belichick has friends so high up in the government. With this insight, it seems that he didn’t stumble upon UNC’s empty spot and hope for an appointment. It came by way of Belichick making use of those political friends of his. But he seems to be playing it pretty modestly as the Tar Heels head coach as he shares an update from spring camp.

Bill Belichick shares an underplayed update from Spring Camp

All eyes will be on the Tar Heels, seeing how the veteran coach will shake things up at his new outpost. However, it seems that Belichick isn’t rushing into making it big in college football. College Sports Network quoted the coach saying, “No big expectations here in spring besides getting better every day.” With two days of practice done, the publication said that Belichick is sure that the team “will be built to his standards.”

“It’s going to be up to each individual. I know we’ve got a good plan; I know we can do the right things to put a good product on the field. Everybody that buys into it and wants to be a part of it will be a part of it. And if they don’t, they can go somewhere else. That’s their decision,” Belichick said. He is having a great time in his new environment, too. “That’s the great thing about being a head coach—I can coach anybody I want… And honestly, that’s the fun part.”

Belichick may not admit it, but he does have his work cut out for him at North Carolina. He used some leverage to get the job, sure. But there’s also the task of driving the team to success, a team that last won a conference championship in 1980. How will his NFL experience translate into coaching a college football program? How will the ‘Bill Belichick’ factor reflect on UNC’s game this season? Let’s hope the veteran coach gets to add another variety of feathers to his already victory-studded hat.