Bill Belichick and the North Carolina Tar Heels are working to finalize a deal that would make him the program’s next head coach, a first for the 72-year-old NFL veteran. However, ESPN reports that there are still issues to be ironed out, including negotiating over NIL money and deciding on the role of Belichick’s son, Washington Huskies defensive coordinator Stephen Belichick.
According to OutKick’s Trey Wallace, the main sticking point is the NIL money, which UNC officials are working to finalize. If a deal is reached, an emergency trustee meeting would be called to finalize the arrangement.
In addition to the NIL issue, Belichick’s salary and the potential role of his son are among the remaining issues to be resolved. ESPN reports that Belichick’s stipulation for his son to succeed him as head coach if he were to leave is also a point of discussion.
Belichick’s background in the NFL, where he won six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, makes him an unusual candidate for a college football coaching position. His potential to bring a professional approach to the program, including training, nutrition, and coaching techniques, is seen as a major advantage.
While Belichick’s ex-pupils, including Tom Brady, have joked about his potential difficulties with recruiting in the age of college sports, he has spent five hours discussing the position with UNC officials and has expressed his commitment to bringing a professional approach to the program.
It remains to be seen if Belichick will ultimately join the Tar Heels as their next head coach, but with the issues outlined above to be resolved, a decision is expected to be reached soon.