A melodrama that unfolded over several days in between. Bill Belichick and North Carolina The impact of the Tar Heels hiring the 72-year-old six-time Super Bowl champion has softened a bit, but the industry consensus is still stunned and shocked as both teams move closer and closer to the finish line. He said he was surprised.
The news finally came to light on Wednesday. north carolina Belichick officially announced his coaching role on Dec. 11 and said in a statement that he looks forward to building the football program in Chapel Hill.
CBS Sports surveyed a small number of athletic directors, coaches and agents on the condition of anonymity in exchange for candor about Belichick’s marriage to North Carolina State.
College and pro coaching agent: “North Carolina State doesn’t care about football success at this point.”
SEC Athletic Director: “Obviously has a great coaching mindset. He also brings a pragmatic perspective on how to balance money in this new era of paying players… I don’t know if it’s a good fit. Having said that, I would never hold it against him.”
Big Ten athletic director: “You’re only as good as your options. Keep that in mind. If he’s a serious candidate, that tells me a little bit about the options. ”
SEC Athletic Director: “I think it’s a risk-reward situation. He obviously knows how to win, he’s been in a pro system, which is basically what we’re aiming for, etc. Donors and I don’t know if it’s going to be a good fit with some organizations.”There are things that professional sports don’t have, but I think we all need to think outside the box and move forward. ”
Agent: “In an ever-evolving era of football and coaches who have never lived through that era, they are going to replace a player who is over 70 with another player, and he will be able to He seems irritated by the slightest hint that he doesn’t have all the power.
“Because of the donors, the campus officials, the state universities, he’s not even three months into the job and he’s asking himself when is football going to start and it’s going to be incredibly frustrating for me. I don’t think it’s anything more than him forcing the NFL to donate money.”He has another chance.” ”
SEC defensive coordinator: “It’s just crazy. How does that work? I think his experience appeal goes a long way, but it’s still about relationships and the NIL part is important!”
“Obviously, he’s a great coach and very smart. The college game is different. But he’s got a great staff and I think he’ll adjust.”
Former FBS head coach with NFL experience: “I think everyone wants to play for a legendary coach and soak up all the knowledge, but the style Bill used in New England is very different considering the modern landscape of college football. And it will be difficult to retain talent.”
“I question how much offset (salary) he has left, but he has to show good faith effort,” an NFC team executive said last week of Belichick’s initial commitment.
CBS Sports responded: Why leave it on the shelf all year? “He’s working, that’s all he knows.”
College Coaching Agent: “I can’t wait to make sure he publicly slams UNC’s donors in three months about how annoying the university is.”
College Coaching Agent: I literally just texted him a dumpster fire emoji.
“It’s shocking. Everyone in the building is talking about it, scouts, analysts, strength coaches,” an AFC official said of Bill’s motives. I think he’s harsh about Apple’s documentation. And also about the recent terrible events in the NFL. ”
Same staff executive: “Is Joe Judge going to run the attack? Will it work?”
University Human Resources Manager: “They’ve set the program back years with this. How far are they going to commit to that ‘Bible’?”
College coaching agent: “It’s ridiculous. It’s like Bill Walsh going back to Stanford, but worse.”
College coaching agent: “Shocked. Stunned. Surprised they did it. Either it’s the best move they’ve ever made, or it’s a throwback to 10 years ago.” The confusion among the athletic clubs has now come to light.
College/Pro Coaching Agent: “This is going to accelerate the change in the college game. Everyone is going to pour money into this like crazy. Private equity, here we come.”
Assistant coach considering options for next career path: ‘I want to join!’
Scout on Belichick’s thoughts: “Can I quit the NFL for a year, make $10 million, and have a winning record in 2026? Got it!”
more: Inside Belichick’s decision to return to college
