CLEVELAND, Ohio – Initially, I didn’t plan to watch Bill Belichick’s debut game as the head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels. However, for many who have closely followed the Cleveland Browns, there’s an undeniable connection to the name Belichick. We recall his tenure as a first-time head coach from 1991 to 1995, during which the Browns recorded a 36-44 win-loss record. Supporters often highlight how he led the Browns to the playoffs in 1994, where they famously defeated the New England Patriots in the first round, marking his fourth season at the helm.
Yet, Belichick's journey in Cleveland faced turbulence when the franchise announced its move to Baltimore. Critics of Belichick point out that while the Browns were 4-4 at the time of the announcement in 1995, they had lost three out of their last four games. The quarterback situation was shaky too, with Vinny Testaverde being benched for Eric Zeier. Ultimately, the Browns finished with a disappointing 5-11 record, leading to Belichick's dismissal just as the franchise relocated. He would later reinvent himself in the NFL, leading the Patriots to six Super Bowl titles, solidifying his status as one of the greatest coaches of all time.
In his inaugural game at North Carolina, an array of celebrities graced the sidelines, including Michael Jordan, Lawrence Taylor, Mia Hamm, Aaron Boone, and Randy Moss. The excitement was palpable, with the Tar Heels selling out their entire season. Now at 73, Belichick embarks on a new venture as a rookie college head coach, 34 years after he was first hired by the Browns. The question remains: can he replicate his NFL success in the unpredictable world of college football, particularly amidst the complexities of NIL and the college transfer portal?
Upon his hiring, one of Belichick's first strategic decisions was to appoint former Browns general manager Mike Lombardi as the GM for the Tar Heels. This move reflects a growing trend in college football, where teams are now employing general managers to navigate the intricate business of recruiting and player compensation. Lombardi's bold statement that North Carolina could become the "33rd NFL team" captures the ambition of the program, especially with many former NFL professionals on the coaching staff. However, established programs like Ohio State, LSU, Texas, and Georgia have long operated as feeder systems for the NFL.
In a recent game, Ohio State opened their season with a narrow 14-7 victory over Texas, an event that attracted scouts from 22 NFL teams. This is no coincidence; the two schools produced a staggering 26 players drafted into the NFL in 2024, with Ohio State alone contributing seven players selected within the top 45. As I watched this game, I was surprised to see the camera pan to former Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens, now the offensive coordinator for Belichick at North Carolina. Kitchens had previously been fired by Cleveland after a 6-10 record in 2019.
Belichick has assembled a coaching staff filled with familiar faces, including special teams coach Mike Priefer, who previously held the same position with the Browns, and linebackers coach Jamie Collins, a former player for both the Patriots and the Browns. His sons are also part of the coaching team; Steve serves as the defensive coordinator, while Brian is the defensive backs coach. Quarterback coach Matt Lombardi, son of Mike Lombardi, further solidifies the familial connections within the coaching staff. This setup allows Belichick the freedom to build his team with trusted personnel.
The Tar Heels faced a harsh reality in their first game, suffering a 48-14 defeat against TCU. After scoring on their initial possession, the team struggled significantly, failing to record a first down for much of the first half. The 48 points allowed marked the most Belichick has ever conceded in a coaching career that has seen its share of ups and downs. The loss also represented the second-most lopsided defeat of his career, with his previous worst being a 35-point loss to Dallas in 2023.
Facing TCU, a well-established college program with a 9-4 record last season, was always going to be a formidable task. Head coach Sonny Dykes, a veteran in college football, seemed to enjoy leading his team to victory over the hyped-up Tar Heels. While Belichick's loss was not unexpected given the significant turnover—bringing in 70 new players—it was the manner of the defeat that shocked many observers. Over the decades, Belichick has garnered both admiration and criticism within the NFL. Detractors often point to his impressive 249-75 record alongside six Super Bowl titles with Tom Brady but highlight a stark contrast with his 84-103 record without him. In his last four seasons without Brady, New England managed only a 29-38 record.
As Belichick begins this new chapter at North Carolina, the question looms: can he navigate the challenges of college football and make it work? While it’s difficult to predict, it’s clear that he faces a steeper learning curve than he might have anticipated.
