On a Monday morning in Chapel Hill, N.C., the atmosphere inside North Carolina’s indoor facility was buzzing with anticipation as 20 players showcased their skills during the Tar Heels’ pro day. The crowd featured former UNC legends, NFL agents, and scouts eager to evaluate talent for 31 of the 32 NFL teams. Yet, there was one notable absence: Bill Belichick.
Belichick, renowned for his extraordinary NFL career, was reportedly occupied with staff meetings from the early hours till noon, marking his debut in college coaching after a nearly five-decade journey in professional football. Even the most illustrious coach in NFL history has commitments he must honor.
Attendees hoping to catch a sight of Belichick in action found disappointment echoing an iconic college bar’s sentiment: “He’s not here.” However, scouts weren’t taken aback to learn that Belichick stayed back in the football offices, letting former UNC coach Mack Brown’s players have their moment.
Charlotte-based scout Josh Washburn, a former Tar Heels receiver, humorously remarked, “I think Bill’s just letting Mack’s guys be Mack’s guys, then he wants his guys to be his guys.” He highlighted the different atmosphere at practices post-Belichick’s arrival in December, allowing only UNC royalty like Lawrence Taylor and Julius Peppers to witness the sessions.
Describing the changes in practice dynamics, Deems May, a former Tar Heels tight end, noted the heightened pace and meticulous attention to detail. May, with eight years in the NFL under his belt, compared the swift and teaching-focused practices to those at the professional level. The dominance of Belichick’s presence was clear as he was the sole coach with a whistle during team drills, commanding dual attention from offense and defense.
May shared his struggle to identify standout players due to the absence of jersey numbers, a practice familiar to fans of Belichick’s New England tenure. “You don’t know who’s where. You don’t know what player’s what. But then you’ll see somebody stick out,” he mused about Belichick’s unique approach to player evaluation.
Amidst the pro day activities, the players were more easily recognizable as scouts called out names during measurements and tested their physical capabilities. However, compared to previous years, this year’s lineup wasn’t quite as star-studded. Running back Omarion Hampton, the Tar Heels’ primary first-round hopeful, was the main attraction, yet no head coaches or general managers were present, with the exception of a single college scout from the Panthers and former Carolina GM Scott Fitterer.
A UNC official hinted at bigger things in the pipeline. “It’s going to look a lot different next year,” they remarked. Meanwhile, Gardner-Webb standout Jordan Bly impressed scouts with some stunning athletic displays, catching the eye as one of the day’s top performers.
Dré Bly, embodying dual roles as a proud father and scout, was present to witness his son’s performance. Hired as the New York Jets’ assistant defensive backs coach, Bly shared his initial disbelief upon hearing Belichick might join UNC and expressed enthusiasm about the future under such an iconic mentor. “As a former Tar Heel — I’m not former, I am a Tar Heel — anybody that can come in and get this rolling, we’re all for it.”
Still, there remains an unresolved query about Belichick’s tenure. The 72-year-old coach, within reach of beating Don Shula’s win record, faces speculation about how long he plans to stay. His contract, filled with interesting clauses, hints at room for a potential NFL return.
Reflecting on Belichick’s dedication, Kevin Donnalley, UNC’s director of player development, feels optimistic. Donnalley detailed one of Belichick’s first requests—delving into UNC’s rich legacy—which underpinned his commitment to building something lasting. “He’s a competitor. He wants to win at this level,” Donnalley commented, noting the relentless pace that has characterized Belichick’s coaching approach during the offseason.
As changes sweep across Kenan Stadium, the Tar Heels seem poised to navigate an intriguing future under the experienced and strategic eye of a coaching legend.
(Top photo: Joe Person / The Athletic)
