Bill Belichick’s Colleague Shares Unique Take on UNC Decision After Tom Brady Blew Away by NFL Rejection

When you think of Bill Belichick, visions of Super Bowl rings and NFL dynasties come to mind, and not college football sidelines. But here we are. The mastermind behind the Patriots’ reign has joined the North Carolina Tar Heels. Fans are still scratching their heads. While it feels like a curveball, some think there’s more to the story than just a love for the game.

Belichick’s shift to UNC shocked the sports world, but former DE Chris Long has a theory. On 17th December’s The Rich Eisen Show, Long speculated that Belichick’s college gig might be a tactical move. “Was he looking at this year’s openings and saying, ‘Hey, maybe there’s a vacancy that I had been eyeing up, and it’s not going to be open, and at that point, what am I going to do… Let me hop into college and stay sharp, and you know, you maybe prove something along the way,'” Long suggested. If that’s true, it’s classic Belichick—always playing chess when others are playing checkers.

The allure of college football’s “Wild West” might also have played a role. Long pointed out that NIL deals and player-businessman mentalities suit Belichick’s NFL background. “I used to have to deal with the salary cap… I can build a program that differentiates,” Long said, insinuating what Bill must be thinking. He compared UNC’s potential to Nick Saban’s University of Alabama. But is it just a stopgap?

Hard to tell. But Belichick has hit the ground running at UNC, already securing commitments from top talent. Four-star QB Bryce Baker chose the Tar Heels, citing Belichick’s NFL expertise. “They know the intricacies that will help me get to my goals,” Baker said. With recruits like this, Belichick isn’t just dabbling—he’s building. Still, questions linger.

Belichick’s contract includes a curious $1 million buyout clause in 2025. Raising eyebrows about his long-term intentions. Is this a stepping stone to another NFL run? The plot thickens.

Tom Brady and Belichick’s new chapter: Nostalgia meets innovation

Tom Brady, no stranger to Belichick’s methods, couldn’t resist chiming in. On FOX, Brady joked about his former coach recruiting college kids but quickly turned sentimental. “I know! Kind of blew me away when I heard the news. I didn’t think that was an opportunity he was looking at,” Brady admitted, adding, “They’re getting an obviously tremendous coach.” Now, for Belichick, it’s about grooming the next generation while keeping his skills sharp.

Brady also highlighted the challenges the team might face. “He’s not the warmest and fuzziest,” Brady quipped. “I remember one year after we won the Super Bowl our first year… We got in a Limo after the game the next morning to go to the MVP press conference and he goes, ‘You know what Tom you had a pretty good season.’ That was about as warm and fuzzy as it got with coach Belichick,” Brady said, recalling Belichick’s tough love. But this no-nonsense approach could reshape college football. And Belichick’s influence is already transforming UNC.

Baker described their conversations as detailed and insightful. Emphasizing development and discipline. “They’re going to be bringing in more top guys… And they’re going to get more disciplined on and off the field,” Baker added. While Belichick’s vision of a pro-style program is taking shape, and the buzz is real.

However, the NFL shadow looms large. Despite Belichick’s assurances that he’s committed to UNC, the easy buyout suggests otherwise. “I didn’t come here to leave,” he said. But actions speak louder than words. And many believe the NFL door remains open.

For now, all eyes are on Belichick’s Tar Heels. Whether this is a long-term project or a pit stop, one thing’s clear. Bill Belichick is still making headlines.