Bill Belichick back to school? Answer YES

[Philosophers]

Sabin retired the year after the NIL implementation; thus, he never really had to recruit in this new paradigm.  In fact, he retired because of the portal and NIL:

"Saban cited the changing landscape of college football, evolving player behavior, and shifting motivations as key reasons behind his decision to step down from coaching.Sep 2, 2024"

Today, college football is about the money.

You're right.  My point is UNC should have the money to compete plus it will have an NFL program.

[Philosophers]

The ones that can go to Georgia, OSU, Texas, Alabama without having to deal with an angry old man. Can't wait till he has to kiss the rear end of some young five star recruit only to have that kid commit and then decommit on signing day because some other school offered him more money and guaranteed the starting job. His buddy Saban couldn't take any more of it so he quit. I'll be shocked if he lasts two years.

I understand your doubt.  Like Deion he wont go the road but will be the one to close the deal.  UNC has always been an underachieving program relative to proximity to many top recruits, rep of university, etc.  i think he is exactly what they need.

Everytime I hear BB talk, I want to hear him say more.  His football depth is unparalleled.  I think that will resonate big time in the recruiting trail.

[madbadger]

I understand your doubt.  Like Deion he wont go the road but will be the one to close the deal.  UNC has always been an underachieving program relative to proximity to many top recruits, rep of university, etc.  i think he is exactly what they need.

Everytime I hear BB talk, I want to hear him say more.  His football depth is unparalleled.  I think that will resonate big time in the recruiting trail.

The difference is that Deion has an engaging personality and can relate to younger players who come from poor backgrounds who want to improve their families life. I don't know who Nelichek relates to.

[Philosophers]

The difference is that Deion has an engaging personality and can relate to younger players who come from poor backgrounds who want to improve their families life. I don't know who Nelichek relates to.

Have you ever heard BB in lengthy sit downs like a group of people around a table?  He is engaging.  I can see tell a 5 star CB recruit what he might see as a weakness in his technique and say, "______ had that same issue when he entered the NFL and I coached that out of him and now he's a 2x Pro Bowl player."  Stuff like that will resonate.  Most of the best teams prospects want to play in Sunday.

[Woody]

He better not bring his 24 year old girlfriend with him to campus around all those young football players 

[MightyGiants]

I suspect that Belichick will enjoy success.  First, he is a better coach than most of the coaches he is facing.  Second, I think the lure of playing for one of the greatest coaches of all time, will help with the recruiting battles (fully appreciating that these days money talks).   I think the pitch that Belichick will prepare you for a successful NFL career will be a good one.

I can imagine Bill taking advantage of 8 Super Bowl rings to wow recruits and families alike.

The only thing I am curious to see is if Bill will pull exclusively from his NFL connections to fill out his staff, or will he have the wisdom to hire some top college people to help him gain insights into the new landscape he will be operating on.

[MightyGiants]

This was a pretty good article.  Although it felt like it ended too abruptly


https://www.si.com/college-football/rob-gronkowski-bill-belichick-north-carolina-coaching-college

[MightyGiants]

https://x.com/StevePoliti/status/1867180460717072414

[Philosophers]

I have always thought that when you make a huge college hire, a team gets 1-2 years to "draft" off the new head coach's reputation, NFL experience but after 2 years it's what that HC has accomplished at that school.  BB's first two years will be important for him, otherwise if he falls short, he may need more like 5+ years to turn the team into a top playoff contender like Jim Harbaugh did at Michigan.  JH did not get that 1-2 year immediate huge success so needed the extra years.

[kingm56]

You're right.  My point is UNC should have the money to compete plus it will have an NFL program.

That's a fair point, my friend. I wonder how this generation perceives Bill Belichick. His last Super Bowl victory occurred when many of them were in grade school, and he was let go during their high school years.

Fundamentally, this also underscores that securing another NFL job was unlikely—something many of us had already anticipated.

[TDToomer]

He better not bring his 24 year old girlfriend with him to campus around all those young football players 

Have you been the NC? There are already 1000 other equally gorgeous co-eds for them to choose from. 

[kingm56]

He better not bring his 24 year old girlfriend with him to campus around all those young football players 

Do they also have millions of dollars and fame?  If not, I think he's safe. 

[kingm56]

Have you been the NC? There are already 1000 other equally gorgeous co-eds for them to choose from. 

I was fortunate enough to attend their acclaimed business school for a month; I've also been to Duke, MIT and Boulder.  NC is hands down the most beautiful campus of the four.  I get why Lil Bill is going...

[Trench]

Don't put it past Bill to leave NC even before he starts if a "better" opportunity arises

[kingm56]

Don't put it past Bill to leave NC even before he starts if a "better" opportunity arises

That's not happening, which is why he's going to NC.  He gave the NFL almost 2 years to come calling and they rejected him, for very good reasons.  At this point, he's probably just happy to have a HC job.