Legendary American football coach Bill Belichick has made a surprise return to the game, but not in the NFL. The 72-year-old, who won a record six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, has been appointed head coach of the University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels.
Belichick, who ended his 24-year tenure with the Patriots last season, was previously interviewed by the Atlanta Falcons but did not secure a role. Instead, he pursued broadcasting opportunities before accepting a three-year deal with UNC, reportedly worth $30 million.
The new role marks a return to Belichick’s college football roots, as his father, Steve Belichick, was an assistant coach at UNC from 1953-55. Belichick expressed his excitement about the opportunity, stating: “I am excited for the opportunity. I grew up around college football with my dad and treasured those times. I have always wanted to coach in college and now I look forward to building the football programme in Chapel Hill.”
Belichick takes the reins of a Tar Heels programme that has not won a conference title since 1980. This marks his first coaching job in the college game, having spent his entire career in the NFL, beginning in 1975 as a special assistant with the Baltimore Colts.
Prior to his successful tenure with the Patriots, Belichick won two Super Bowls as defensive coordinator with the New York Giants and served as head coach of the Cleveland Browns from 1991-1995. He also had two brief stints as head coach of the New York Jets, totaling just seven days.
Belichick’s illustrious career is highlighted by his six Super Bowl wins with the Patriots, which earned him the most Super Bowl wins by a head coach. The Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers share the team record for most Super Bowl titles.
