Bill Belichick’s influence on UNC football: 6 key changes

This collection of stories explores Bill Belichick’s impact on UNC football and the program’s future.

Belichick’s approach to recruiting top prospects and the school’s plan to add a student tailgate and beer garden signal fresh changes. Plans include concerts on campus to engage students before games and a new focus on using Belichick’s NFL experience in recruiting.

The stories also examine the structure and pay scale of Belichick’s new staff, including his sons and former NFL assistants, and the influence of his social media presence on recruiting efforts. Other pieces focus on Belichick’s relationship with Jordon Hudson and UNC's elevated profile as the flagship Jordon Brand program.

Read the stories below.

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after beating the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium in 2017. By Matthew Emmons

NO. 1: WHAT HAS BILL BELICHICK DONE? A LOOK AT THE NEW UNC COACH’S CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Bill Belichick has coached in 12 NFL Super Bowls and has been a part of eight championship wins. Here’s a brief look at how he navigated the pro football coaching world. | Published December 11, 2024 | Read Full Story by Staff Report

New North Carolina head football coach Bill Belichick listens to a question during a press conference announcing his hiring at the Loudermilk Center for Excellence at UNC in Chapel Hill, N.C., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts sits to the left and AD Bubba Cunningham sits to the right.

NO. 2: INSTEAD OF GAME-PLANNING FOR SUPER BOWLS, BILL BELICHICK NOW WOOING RECRUITS TO UNC

The Tar Heels’ new football coach skipped the Fenway Bowl to use his time on roster management and setting up recruiting weekends. | Published January 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chip Alexander

North Carolina football recruit Bryce Baker shakes hands with recently hired football coach Bill Belichick as they are introduced during halftime of the Tar Heels’ men’s basketball game against La Salle on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C. By Kaitlin McKeown

NO. 3: UNC HEAD COACH BILL BELICHICK’S FIRST FORAY INTO COLLEGE RECRUITING PAYS DIVIDENDS

The Tar Heels added 19 players on National Signing Day, an influx that includes four-star quarterback Au’Tori Newkirk. | Published February 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chip Alexander

New North Carolina head football coach Bill Belichick holds up his father’s Carolina sweatshirt during a press conference announcing his hiring at the Loudermilk Center for Excellence at UNC in Chapel Hill, N.C., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. By Ethan Hyman

NO. 4: HOW MUCH WILL BILL BELICHICK’S UNC FOOTBALL COACHING STAFF BE PAID IN 2025?

The Tar Heels’ staff of assistant coaches includes defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, the coach’s son, and offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens. | Published April 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chip Alexander

Jordon Hudson blows a kiss to North Carolina head football coach Bill Belichick at a UNC football practice. Both were in the news after she and the coach abruptly ended an interview with CBS after being asked about their relationship. By Ethan Hyman

NO. 5: NORTH CAROLINA FOOTBALL IS NOW THE FLAGSHIP PROGRAM OF THE JORDON BRAND

Bill Belichick and his “personal and professional” relationship with girlfriend Jordon Hudson have put North Carolina football in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, and he hasn’t even coached a game yet. | Published May 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Luke DeCock

The North Carolina Tar Heels enter Kenan Stadium for their game against Charlotte on Saturday, September 7, 2024 in Chapel Hill, N.C. By Robert Willett

NO. 6: UNC ENVISIONS STUDENT TAILGATES, ON-CAMPUS BEER GARDEN AS BELICHICK DEBUT NEARS

The university is also considering adding a commercial sponsor to Kenan Stadium as it looks to generate additional revenue for athletics. | Published May 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Korie Dean Jadyn Watson-Fisher

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.