Bill Belichick joined the North Carolina Tar Heels in what would be an iconic move in the history of college football. The legendary Patriots’ former head coach doesn’t decide to hang up his boots but comes roaring back at UNC. He even said in his first press conference that he “didn’t come here to leave” and added that he will be at UNC “for a long time.” What happened next?
Well, an aggressive rebuilding started, the whole staff was replaced, and Bill Belichick took recruiting personally. Visiting several high-profile prospects personally and using his high rapport to influence them. However, amidst all this changing and revamping came the appointment of UNC’s new DC. The appointment of his son, Steve Belichick, who would now be taking the defensive play-calling duties. Questions started to pour in about favoritism and, most importantly, ‘NEPOTISM.’
The internet became flooded with all these talks, which are still there, by the way. Was it because he didn’t merit the job? Or was it because Bill Belichick appointed him without taking up any other options? Steve Belichick certainly has a good resume on his back as he started as a defensive assistant in 2012 at his dad’s New England Patriots and remained there till 2023 when Bill Belichick left the job. He joined Washington for 1 year as their DC and remained there for the entirety of the 2024 season. So, it’s not like he doesn’t have experience as DC or coaching altogether. So, why the nepotism allegations?
Jedd Fisch, the current head coach of Washington, was put on the spot when asked the same question. He looked awkward for a bit, looking for an answer that maybe would sound not too ‘controversial.’ “I know how much he (Steve Belichick) loves coaching. And when there’s an opportunity to coach, why would you walk away from it? If you want to keep coaching, and that was the opportunity he had or that he chose. I saw a picture from spring practice yesterday, and he looked just like everybody else out there in March. A guy who wants to coach ball and is excited about it. I’m just excited for him, for Steve.“
Well, Jedd Fisch has finally given him the clean chit from his end. But let’s talk frankly for a moment. In the one season that he spent with the Huskies as the defensive coordinator, their defense didn’t quite look world-class. They were 27th in yards conceded per game (334.8) nationally. Their rushing defense was more appalling, where they stood 83rd nationally with a whopping 162.6 yards per game conceded. In their passing defense, they didn’t quite stand out as well as they were 21st with 16.6 pass completions per game. So, does he merit the job?
Well, that’s something very subjective. But there’s one thing that stands out, and that is Steve Belichick’s chemistry with his father. The 12 years he spent with his father at the New England Patriots, he called defense in five different seasons. That also included their 2018 Super Bowl win, which was a sheer testament to their defense against the Rams. So, the move can still play out very favorably for Belichick.
Bill Belichick breaks the silence on internet rumors
Bill Belichick, being the type of man he is and with the illustrious career he has, doesn’t take any unnecessary trash talk to heart. He didn’t care when there were all kinds of talks about his 24-year-old girlfriend. He also didn’t heed much when there were rumors about his recruitment game on the internet. So, why would he care now, right?
Well, this time, the head coach came out with a statement, putting an end to all talks about his son, Steve Belichick. “You know, it starts with the coordinators,” he said. “Steve [Belichick], Freddy [Kitchen], and Mike [Priefer] have a ton of experience. They’ve performed well in multiple situations. Certainly, you know, Steve [Belichick]’s coached our defense for a long time. And, whatever his years as a coach were, he was involved way before that.”
So, the thing is that despite all the rumors and things in the media and the internet. The real deal will begin when the season starts. His staff additions were Freddie Kitchens, who was a former Browns head coach, and Mike Priefer, a master of special teams who has spent most of his career in the NFL. So undoubtedly, the staff additions are looking quite great. Bill Belichick’s contract guarantees him $50 million over the course of five years. So, with this kind of money on the table, Bill Belichick certainly wouldn’t leave any stone unturned to seek success at UNC. Even if that means a little bit of internet rumors.
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