Bill Belichick began his first season as head coach at the University of North Carolina on Monday night, taking the field against Texas Christian University in Chapel Hill. Belichick, known for his successful tenure with the New England Patriots where he led the team to six Super Bowl championships, wore a gray hoodie featuring “Carolina Football” in light blue for his college debut.
The Tar Heels opened strongly, completing an 83-yard drive that ended with Caleb Hood’s eight-yard touchdown run. The team quickly forced a punt from TCU on its first possession.
At age seventy-three, Belichick trails only Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Don Shula on the National Football League’s all-time wins list. His transition to coaching at North Carolina comes as part of the university’s effort to raise the profile of its football program.
Season ticket sales saw increased demand and prices. ESPN held its pregame studio show from Kenan Stadium’s sideline. Before kickoff, Belichick greeted former Alabama coach Nick Saban and spent time on the field alongside general manager Michael Lombardi and Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner Jim Phillips. He also met members of the officiating crew and watched TCU players warm up near midfield.
Notable attendees included NBA legend Michael Jordan and former UNC linebacker Lawrence Taylor, both with strong ties to North Carolina and prior connections to Belichick during his earlier coaching career.
