North Carolina has hired 72-year-old Bill Belichick as its new football head coach, a move that raises eyebrows given his complete lack of experience in college football. Belichick, a six-time Super Bowl champion coach, is known for being grumpy and introverted, traits that don’t typically translate well to wooing recruits or managing the transfer portal.
The decision has been met with skepticism from many in the football world, who point out that what works in the NFL may not work in college. Belichick’s approach, which emphasizes developing players for the NFL pipeline, is seen as delusional by some, given that top programs already prioritize player development.
Belichick will face stiff competition from other coaches vying for success in the current college coaching landscape. The top programs are led by established figures like Kirby Smart and Dabo Swinney, who have proven track records of winning at high levels. Meanwhile, younger coaches with a more youthful energy, such as Dan Lanning and Steve Sarkisian, are also gaining traction.
The hire is seen as a risk by many, given Belichick’s age and lack of experience in college football. It remains to be seen whether he can adapt his coaching style to the college game and produce success at UNC.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5985593/2024/12/11/bill-belichick-north-carolina-college-coach