Bill Belichick, the legendary coach of the New England Patriots, has been appointed as the head coach of the University of North Carolina’s football team. This move comes at an interesting time for the NFL, as the New York Jets have just opened up their head-coaching vacancy after parting ways with Robert Saleh.
Sources close to Belichick have raised questions about his genuine interest in the Jets job, suggesting it might be a case of simply doing due diligence on available openings. However, given Belichick’s long history of disdain for the team and its owner Woody Johnson, a reunion had always seemed unlikely.
Belichick’s past comments on Johnson and the Jets have been particularly acrimonious, with Belichick suing to get out of his contract with the team in part due to his dislike of Johnson. The two parties have a complex and storied history dating back over 25 years.
The Jets’ decision to fire Saleh just five games into the season sparked further tension between Belichick and Johnson, with Belichick later criticizing Johnson’s handling of the situation in various media roles.
In other news, Belichick has been introduced as the Tar Heels’ coach amid this backdrop. The move is certainly eyebrow-raising given the history between Belichick and the Jets.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/42968588/source-bill-belichick-inquired-jets-coaching-vacancy