The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-giants" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York Giants</a> need a new head coach for 2026, and Bill Belichick may be the frontrunner for the job. Now, Denver Broncos head coach <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/sean-payton" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sean Payton</a> has sent a clear message to the entire NFL about the potential return of the six-time Super Bowl champion.



Following a disappointing 2025 NFL season, the Giants are expected to undergo a major rebuild next year. The first and most important move? A change at the head coach position.



After several seasons without being contenders, the Giants need a big name to lead the team. For that reason, the main option has become <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bill-belichick" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bill Belichick</a>, who is reportedly being eyed by several teams as he considers a return to the league.



<h2>Sean Payton makes honest confession on Bill Belichick potentially returning to the NFL</h2>



A few months ago, Bill Belichick was in search of an NFL team to coach. However, no franchise decided to hire him, despite his six <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/super-bowl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Super Bowl</a> wins and the number of teams in need of a top-tier coach.



Because of that, Belichick chose to test himself in college by coaching the UNC Tar Heels. His season was not outstanding, which is why rumors suggest he is now eyeing a return to the league in 2026.



As of today, the New York Giants appear to be the most likely landing spot. His potential return has raised alarms across the league, as many believe he still has what it takes to turn a franchise into a true contender, just as he did with the Patriots.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/bill-belichick-robert-kraft-involved-in-competition-for-unique-recognition-after-ugly-patriots-breakup"></div>


However, there is one coach who is not concerned about Belichick’s return: Sean Payton. The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/denver-broncos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broncos</a> head coach welcomes the idea, saying Belichick is the type of coach who forces everyone to elevate their game immediately.



“I’ll be honest with you, I miss him not being in the league,” Sean Payton told reporters on Wednesday about Bill Belichick. “I miss him not being in the league, and I wouldn’t be surprised, and I would be somewhat hopeful that he ends up back in the league. We’d all be better for it. He’s something.”



<h2>Will the Giants hire Bill Belichick?</h2>



The Giants fired Brian Daboll earlier this year due to the teams poor performances. While they named Mike Kafka the interim coach, he is not expected to remain in the role for the 2026 season.



The rumors of Bill Belichick joining the Giants are strong, but they are still only rumors. Everything will depend on Belichick’s decision to return to the league and whether New York views him as the savior of the franchise.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6931e832e2d53b59fb2f0448" data-title="Should the Giants hire Bill Belichick?" data-options="2"></div>

Broncos HC Sean Payton makes something clear to the NFL about Bill Belichick amid NY Giants rumors

Lane Kiffin’s LSU salary revealed: How much will he make compared to Bill Belichick at UNC?

Bill Belichick could reportedly return to the NFL as two teams are interested in legendary Super Bowl winning head coach

Broncos HC Sean Payton makes something clear to the NFL about Bill Belichick amid NY Giants rumors - Bolavip US

miniaturas

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bill-belichick">Bill Belichick</a> and Robert Kraft just can’t stay away from drama. After building a dynasty on the New England Patriots, the two broke up in ugly fashion. Now, the NFL is putting them up together for an impressive recognition in league history.



As announced by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Belichick and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/robert-kraft">Kraft</a> are both among the <a href="https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2025/12/5-individuals-reach-finalist-stage-for-pro-football-hall-of-fame-s-class-of-2026/">five finalists for the Hall of Fame Class of 2026</a>. Out of the five contenders, a maximum of three can be enshrined to the Hall of Fame.



Along with Belichick and Kraft, former Cincinnati Bengals QB Ken Anderson, three-time Super Bowl champion with the San Francisco 49ers Roger Craig, and former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end L.C. Greenwood have also been named finalists.



<h2>Bad blood between Belichick and Kraft</h2>



There is no point in hiding it any longer: Belichick and Kraft can rarely see eye to eye. While many thought Belichick stepping away from New England and out of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a> would calm the waters, that hasn’t been the case. Instead, as Belichick coached the North Carolina Tar Heels in college football, his animosity with Kraft and the Patriots came to show often times.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251203_BUS_538432_Robert-Kraft-owner-of-the-New-England-Patriots_7db06464.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots" class="wp-image-426490" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots</figcaption></figure>



Belichick banned <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-england-patriots">Patriots</a> scouts from Chapel Hill, preventing them from attending the Tar Heels’ practices throughout the 2025 NCAA season. The six-time Super Bowl–winning head coach doubled down on his decision at the time, saying, “It’s clear I’m not welcome at their facility, so they’re not welcome at ours.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-football/lane-kiffins-lsu-salary-revealed-how-much-will-he-make-compared-to-bill-belichick-at-unc"></div>


<h2>How likely are Belichick and Kraft to make the Hall of Fame Class of 2026?</h2>



Belichick is virtually guaranteed to be inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame thanks to his NFL coaching record of 333-178 (including playoffs). The head coach’s winning total is the second-best all time in the league — only trailing Don Shula (347 wins). With his resume, Belichick is considered a favorite to become a first-ballot Hall of Famer.



As for Kraft, the jury is still out on whether he will be enshrined in the Class of 2026. The odds are still on the Patriots owner’s side, though. Moreover, the NFL may not want to miss the chance to unveil Belichick’s and Kraft’s busts at the same ceremony. It may indeed be pure cinema.

Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft involved in competition for unique recognition after ugly Patriots breakup

Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft involved in competition for unique recognition after ugly Patriots breakup - Bolavip US

Belichick, Kraft involved in competition for unique recognition after ugly Patriots breakup

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lane-kiffin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lane Kiffin</a> will represent the LSU Tigers as their new head coach. Now, the salary he will earn after leaving Ole Miss was revealed and there are questions about how his new deal compares to North Carolina‘s Bill Belichick.



Wilson Alexander fof NOLA.com reported that Lane Kiffin will earn $13 million per year at <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lsu-tigers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LSU</a>. As for Belichick, CBS News reported he earns $10 million per season in a five-year contract with the first three years being fully guaranteed.



It’s stated that Kiffin signed a seven-year deal, making it a far more lucrative deal than what <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bill-belichick" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belichick</a> has. Also, the size of the programs are very different, but so are the expectations.



<h2>LSU will hope Kiffin’s start to his era is better than Belichick’s at UNC</h2>



Belichick’s first year at Chapel Hill ended with a 4-8 record and an ACC record of 2-6. The team ended with a three-game losing streak, two of them being by more than two possessions.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251201_BUS_537375_Bill-Belichick-25_680f8e3d.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Head Coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels " class="wp-image-363555" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Head Coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels </figcaption></figure>



Ole Miss, during Lane Kiffin’s last year, ended 11-1 and ended the season with a five-game winning streak. Hence, LSU is hoping that’s the coach the Tigers have, not one than has a losing record.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-football/will-lane-kiffin-coach-ole-miss-in-2025-college-football-playoffs-after-taking-lsu-job"></div>


<h2>Lane Kiffin has a very different coaching profile than Belichick</h2>



The fact of the matter is that Kiffin and Belichick couldn’t have more different coaching styles. While Belichick is regarded as the best NFL coach of all time, he went on a hiatus to then be appointed as head coach for the Tar Heels.



As for Kiffin, he does have <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a> experience as he was a head coach for the Oakland Raiders for two years, but he has plenty of college experience and he is an offensive-minded coach, as opposed to Belichick’s defensive approach.

Lane Kiffin's LSU salary revealed: How much will he make compared to Bill Belichick at UNC? - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bill-belichick">Bill Belichick</a> could be back in the NFL very soon. After winning the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> six times alongside <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tom-brady">Tom Brady</a> and the New England Patriots, a report from Josina Anderson confirmed that two teams are interested heading into the 2026 season.



“I’m told ‘at least two NFL teams’ are still expected to have interest in talking to Bill Belichick, behind-the-scenes at the very least, about head coach jobs this Carousel season, per a league source. ‘A third team could also enter the mix,’ with desires to talk, particularly if one specific personnel change is made under ownership, the source added.”



At the moment, the major head-coaching vacancy is with the Giants after the departure of Brian Daboll. However, Belichick has publicly said that he is not interested in that option. In fact, several rumors suggest that if Mike Tomlin leaves the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pittsburgh-steelers">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>, he could go to New York.



<h2>Is Bill Belichick leaving North Carolina?</h2>



Bill Belichick has said that he will not leave North Carolina and that he expects to fulfill his contract with the Tar Heels in college football. However, it is also true that a major offer from the NFL could change his mind, considering that the buyout in the deal is now only $1 million.


 

 


A few weeks ago, when the Giants fired Brian Daboll, Belichick emerged as the top candidate to replace him because of his past as the team’s defensive coordinator. In this scenario, Belichick immediately clarified that he would not go to New York and, most intriguingly, that he would not seek to return to the NFL.



“Despite circulating rumors, I have not and will not pursue any NFL head-coaching vacancies. Since arriving in Chapel Hill, my commitment to the UNC Football program has not wavered. We have tremendous support from the university, our alumni and the entire Carolina community. My focus remains solely on continuing to improve this team, develop our players and build a program that makes Tar Heel fans proud.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-football/bill-belichick-salary"></div>

Bill Belichick could reportedly leave North Carolina as two NFL teams are interested in legendary head coach

Bill Belichick&#039;s net worth: How much money does the head coach and sports analyst have?

How many Super Bowls has Andy Reid lost compared to Bill Belichick?

Bill Belichick could reportedly return to the NFL as two teams are interested in Super Bowl winning head coach - Bolavip US

Two NFL teams are reportedly interested in Bill Belichick

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bill-belichick">Bill Belichick</a> finally addressed the growing noise around a possible NFL return, offering a rare public response as speculation tied him once again to the New York Giants. He acknowledged the franchise’s importance in his career, saying he has “great respect” for the organization and its ownership. But the message that followed carried a much firmer tone.



Speaking from Chapel Hill, Belichick made it clear that his priorities haven’t drifted, even as rumors accelerated in recent weeks. He praised the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-giants">Giants</a>’ role in shaping his coaching journey, calling it “a privilege” to work under the Mara family and alongside Bill Parcells. Still, he hinted that outside chatter doesn’t match his actual plans.



Belichick also delivered a pointed reminder about where his focus remains. He noted that his commitment to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/unc">UNC</a> “has not wavered” and emphasized the support surrounding the program. What he said next left little doubt about where he intends to stay, at least for now.



<h2>Belichick’s full message</h2>



Below is Belichick’s complete statement, where he expands on his respect for the Giants, addresses the rumors directly, and lays out why his commitment to UNC remains unchanged as it was posted on his personal instagram account @billbelichick.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251115_BUS_527101_north-carolina-tar-heels-1024x576_f36f9c07.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="North Carolina Tar Heels Bill Belichick" class="wp-image-484000" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels.</figcaption></figure>



“I have great respect and genuinely care for the New York Giants organization and both the Mara and Tisch families. The New York Giants played an important role in my life and in my coaching journey. It was a privilege for me to work for the Mara family and be a member of Coach Parcells’ staff for over a decade. However, despite circulating rumors, I have not and will not pursue any NFL head coaching vacancies.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/bill-belichick-net-worth"></div>


“Since arriving in Chapel Hill, my commitment to the UNC Football program has not wavered. We have tremendous support from the university, our alumni, and the entire Carolina community. My focus remains solely on continuing to improve this team, develop our players, and build a program that makes Tar Heel fans proud.”

Bill Belichick breaks silence on NY Giants rumors with firm statement to UNC on potential NFL return

Bill Belichick breaks silence on NY Giants rumors with firm statement to UNC on potential NFL return - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-giants" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York Giants</a>‘ head-coaching job is an intriguing opportunity for many around and outside the league. After Brian Daboll’s firing on Monday, many names have been mentioned as potential candidates to take over the “Big Blue.”



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bill-belichick" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bill Belichick</a>, who has a successful story with the franchise, could be one of those getting attention for the job. He has been out of the league for nearly two years now, but his experience and knowledge would be attractive to the NFC East squad.&nbsp;



Other current and former coaches, such as Jon Gruden and Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, have been mentioned as potential candidates, too. Still, Belichick has found support in one of his former players.&nbsp;



<h2>Julian Edelman endorses Bill Belichick for Giants’ head-coaching job&nbsp;</h2>



On Monday, the three-time Super Bowl champion made the case for his former coach, who is currently coaching the North Carolina Tar Heels in college football.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251113_BUS_526447_bill-belichick-10-1024x576_be31a806.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Head Coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels." class="wp-image-488051" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head Coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels.</figcaption></figure>



“There’s a team down in Chapel Hill that is playing a little better,” Edelman said on his “Games With Names” podcast on Monday. “What if the Giants brought in Bill Belichick? He f**king loves them. We all know that. Guy shed a single tear every time we played there. The only time I saw him get happy. We talked about LT (Lawrence Taylor). I don’t know, the Giants really don’t make, like, crazy hires like that. Maybe because they did an in-season change, they’re changing their way a little.”



Belichick won two Super Bowls with the Giants, and he reportedly loves the franchise. Perhaps a reunion would be in the cards for the front office, but he’s not the only one drawing attention for the job.&nbsp;

Patriots icon makes case for Bill Belichick as Giants’ new HC

Patriots icon makes case for Bill Belichick as Giants' new HC - Bolavip US

Bill Belichick appears to be getting the hang of college football after winning his last two games with the North Carolina Tar Heels (27-10 at Syracuse and 20-15 against Stanford), improving to 4-5 in his first season.&nbsp;



The future Hall of Fame coach is still mentioned among potential candidates to return to the NFL sidelines once the coaching carousel starts. On Monday, Brian Daboll became the second head coach fired this season after Brian Callahan was dismissed by the Tennessee Titans in October.&nbsp;



As soon as fans learned about this news, speculation began. Belichick, as usual, has been named among coaches who could take over the Giants, a team he knows very well both as an employee and an opponent.&nbsp;



<h2>Insider says Bill Belichick could draw interest from Giants&nbsp;</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a> insider John Frascella tweeted on Monday that the eight-time Super Bowl-winning coach should be a candidate to join the Giants.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251112_BUS_524741_bill-belichick-2-1024x576_eb24195e.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Bill Belichick in Chapel Hill, North Carolina." class="wp-image-485444" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Bill Belichick in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. </figcaption></figure>



“So we can start the Bill Belichick countdown, now? We all know where this is headed with the Giants…” Frascella tweeted. More than that, Gary Myers echoed the sentiment, noting that Belichick’s relationship with the team has always been excellent.&nbsp;



“I think Belichick would do it in a second,” Myers said on “Valentine’s Views” podcast. “He loves the Giants. I mean he loves the Giants. He gets emotional and melancholy reminiscing about his Giant years. Although that was a long time ago, the Giants have stolen his heart.”



Belichick joined the Giants in 1979 as a special teams coach and defensive assistant. He added linebackers coaching to his duties a year later, later becoming the team’s defensive coordinator in 1985. He won two Super Bowls with the “Big Blue,” including the XXV edition, where Belichick stopped the Buffalo Bills with a game plan that has been placed in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.&nbsp;

Bill Belichick coaching Patriots’ Super Bowl nemesis gets steam

Bill Belichick coaching Patriots' Super Bowl nemesis gets steam - Bolavip US

It took longer than expected, but the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/north-carolina" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina Tar Heels</a> finally got their first conference win with Bill Belichick as their head coach. The team soundly defeated Syracuse and after the game, the UNC coach sent a message about how having an ACC win feels.



In the most <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bill-belichick" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belichick</a> way possible, he said, “Feels great. We had a couple of opportunities the last couple of weeks that we couldn’t capitalize on.&nbsp;It was good to get this one. So we look forward to all the rest of the games in the ACC.” There are four <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/acc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACC</a> games remaining in North Carolina’s schedule. If it wins three, the program becomes bowl eligible.



The Tar Heels dominated easily and were able to establish good, proper, disciplined football. Just how Belichick likes. Also, they are starting to rely more and more on their talents, especially on the run game.



<h2>North Carolina is literally on Demon time…</h2>



Belichick loves a good running back and he has one in Demon June. Against Syracuse, he was borderline unstoppable. June had 182 scrimmage yards on 15 touches with two touchdowns.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251101_BUS_519098_demon-june-1024x576_fe403dcf.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Demon June #12 of the North Carolina Tar Heels" class="wp-image-519119" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Demon June #12 of the North Carolina Tar Heels</figcaption></figure>



June averaged 7.8 yards per carry against Syracuse and was the driving factor behind the win. Also, quarterback Gio Lopez went 15/19 for 216 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-football/bill-belichick-son-steve-issues-bold-message-to-north-carolina-players-amid-frustrating-season"></div>


<h2>The defense was also great</h2>



Not only did UNC limit Syracuse to 10 points but the whole performance was just great. Syracuse only managed to get 147 total yards, 39 passing yards, and 2.9 yards per play. North Carolina put on a defensive clinic.



During the last couple of weeks, North Carolina has been a more disciplined, well-coached team. Now, it seems like the team is really buying into Bellichick’s idea and is a good thing to see after a difficult start.

Bill Belichick’s sincere words after North Carolina’s first ACC win in 2025

Bill Belichick breaks silence with two-word message regarding the rumors about his future at UNC

While Penn State must pay $56M to James Franklin, how much would UNC owe Bill Belichick in case of firing?

Bill Belichick's sincere words after North Carolina's first ACC win in 2025 - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mac-jones">Mac Jones</a> is finding new purpose with the San Francisco 49ers, and his latest comments reveal just how much Kyle Shanahan has impacted him. The former Patriots quarterback spoke glowingly of Shanahan’s communication and leadership, calling him “one of the best that I’ve been around in terms of team meetings and offensive meetings.”



In 2022, while still with the Patriots, Jones made headlines for saying, “I want to be coached harder. I want to be a better player.” It was a statement that reflected his frustration with a rigid offensive system that often limited his creativity. Now, under <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kyle-shanahan">Shanahan</a>, he seems to have found the balance he was searching for.



Jones elaborated on Shanahan’s influence, noting, “I’ve been super impressed with his messaging. He’s a great public speaker, and he also backs it up.” That comment carries weight, given how differently Shanahan runs his meetings compared to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bill-belichick">Belichick</a>.



Despite being the backup quarterback, Jones has already made five starts for the 49ers this season as Brock Purdy deals with a painful turf toe injury. He’s performed admirably, posting a 4-1 record with 1,404 passing yards, six touchdowns, and an 89.8 passer rating.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">"I definitely think he&apos;s one of the best that I&apos;ve been around in terms of team meetings and offensive meetings. I&apos;ve been super impressed with his messaging. He&apos;s a great public speaker, and he also backs it up. It&apos;s been a pleasure to be in there learning from him. He&apos;s always… <a href="https://t.co/pO9NCmkFO0">pic.twitter.com/pO9NCmkFO0</a>— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) <a href="https://twitter.com/957thegame/status/1981492960085889306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



<h2>A coach who listens, a quarterback who’s growing</h2>



Jones credits much of his comfort in to the open communication Shanahan fosters. “He’s always trying to come up with something new to get to the team,” Jones said. That creativity has not only expanded his understanding of offensive play design but also reignited his confidence as a leader.



As the 49ers prepare for a potential deep playoff run, Jones’ growth under Shanahan could prove crucial. Whether he remains behind Purdy or takes the field again, his development under a coach who “backs it up” may redefine how he’s viewed across the league.

Mac Jones reveals what he’s learning from Kyle Shanahan after tough Patriots years with Bill Belichick

Mac Jones reveals what he’s learning from Kyle Shanahan after tough Patriots years with Bill Belichick - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bill-belichick" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bill Belichick</a> knew his transition to college football would be anything but a walk in the park. However, he may have never imagined it’d be as challenging as it’s turned out. Just weeks into his first NCAA season with the North Carolina Tar Heels, the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach has been through the wringer. Now, his son and UNC’s defensive coordinator Steve Belichick dropped a bold reminder.



Belichick and the Tar Heels had some time to clear their heads after the deflating 38-10 loss to the Clemson Tigers. The bye week in the 2025 NCAA season was much needed, but now it’s time for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/north-carolina" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina</a> to face the music.



If UNC wants to stay out of the spotlight, it will have plenty of time to do so during the offseason. As the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college football</a> campaign continues, the Tar Heels must fight to stay afloat in the ACC, where they’ve struggled to find their footing so far.



On that note, Steve Belichick made something clear to the roster in Chapel Hill. Amid a frustrating start to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ncaa">NCAA</a> campaign, it’s up to the Tar Heels to climb out of the hole they now find themselves languishing in.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251015_BUS_509916_GettyImages-2233260181-Bolavip-1024x576_16bd9ac9.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Bill Belichick looks on prior to the game vs TCU" class="wp-image-487162" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Bill Belichick coaching North Carolina</figcaption></figure>



“I appreciate the frustration to a point just because it means they care,” Steve Belichick said, via On3. “We’re putting in a lot of work to go out there and compete at a high level. It hasn’t always shown. So, we’ll try to get out there and do better, but it should be frustrating when you lose.”


 

 

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-football/bill-belichick-breaks-silence-with-two-word-message-regarding-the-rumors-about-his-future-at-unc"></div>


<h2>Signs of hope</h2>



It was never going to be a smooth sailing for the Belichick father-son duo in Chapel Hill. The ACC is filled with hard-nosed opponents that won’t succumb simply because of the names standing on the sideline. As North Carolina gears up for the final 7 games of the season, Steve Belichick admitted he liked what he’s seen lately.



“I think we’ve had a really good week of practice,” Steve Belichick said. “I think anybody who’s a competitor is frustrated when they lose. So, it starts with me on defense. I’ve got to do a better job. Trickles down through everybody. So, we’ve all got to do better.”



<h2>Need to get one</h2>



North Carolina vies to secure its first ACC win of the season when the Tar Heels face the California Golden Bears. UNC hasn’t won an ACC game in over 11 months, with its last conference triumph coming on Nov. 16 against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. That streak will surely be on the Tar Heels’ minds as they make the coast-to-coast trip to Berkeley.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="68f00af1370f2f9346100c4b" data-title="Should Belichick return to the NFL?" data-options="4"></div>

Bill Belichick son Steve issues bold message to North Carolina players amid frustrating season

Bill Belichick’s salary: How much does the North Carolina Tar Heels coach charge?

Bill Belichick son Steve issues bold message to North Carolina players amid frustrating season - Bolavip US

Bill Belichick son Steve issues bold message to North Carolina players

The excitement generated by Bill Belichick’s arrival to lead a storied program like the North Carolina Tar Heels has, unfortunately, not been matched by results on the field. With a 2–3 start to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football">NCAAF</a> season, many are now beginning to question the head coach’s future moving forward.



At a time when poor results have cost experienced coaches like Sam Pittman and James Franklin their jobs, rumors about <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bill-belichick">Belichick</a>’s stability as the leader at UNC are gaining momentum.



Pete Thamel, insider specializing in College Football, revealed via his official X (formerly Twitter) account that the former Patriots head coach dismissed any rumors about his future with a definitive two-word message: “Categorically false.”



It remains to be seen what will ultimately happen with the current leader in Chapel Hill. For now, the next challenge will be in Berkeley against California on Friday, October 17. Can the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/north-carolina">Tar Heels</a> get their season back on track?



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Bill Belichick tells reporters at UNC that any reports of him looking for an exit from UNC are “categorically false." <a href="https://t.co/Y0FD5vTSua">pic.twitter.com/Y0FD5vTSua</a>— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteThamel/status/1977760712651887022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>Regaining confidence and returning to victory</h2>



The stinging 38-10 beatdown North Carolina suffered at the hands of Clemson was more than just another loss—it was a categorical failure that has put the entire program, and coach Bill Belichick, under a harsh spotlight. 


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-football/bill-belichick-salary"></div>


Dropping to a disappointing 2-3 record, the Tar Heels’ offense was non-existent and the defense was steamrolled, prompting serious questions about the team’s identity and direction. 



Simply put, North Carolina must use their next outing against California as a non-negotiable opportunity to hit the reset button, showcase a level of physicality and competence that was utterly absent against the Tigers, and prove to the ACC that their season is far from over. This is a must-win game to prevent a promising campaign from spiraling into total disaster.



<h2>UNC upcoming games</h2>



With a long stretch of the season still to be played, the Tar Heels face several upcoming tests that could either help them get back on track—or completely derail their hopes for the campaign.



<ul><li>@ California, October 17</li><li>vs Virginia, October 25</li><li>@ Syracuse, October 31 </li><li>vs Stanford, November 8 </li><li>@ Wake Forest, November 15</li></ul>

Bill Belichick breaks silence with two-word message regarding the rumors about his future at UNC - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bill-belichick" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bill Belichick</a> and the North Carolina Tar Heels are in the eye of the storm. After consecutive weeks of endless drama, the two sides are rumored to be drifting apart in the NCAA. Perhaps James Franklin’s firing by the Penn State Nittany Lions has lit a bulb over the program in Chapel Hill.



Penn State spiraled out of control with three straight losses to kickstart the Big Ten schedule in the 2025 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college football</a> season. Enough was enough for the Nittany Lions. Following the 22-21 loss to the Northwestern Wildcats, the school in Happy Valley parted ways with its head coach.



Now, as reported by Bleacher Report and Spotrac, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/penn-state" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a> must foot the bill for a $56 million contract buyout after terminating the 10-year deal handed to Franklin in 2021. According to Spotrac, Franklin’s buyout clause is the second-largest in college football history, trailing only Jimbo Fisher’s Texas A&amp;M $76M buyout.



As noted by USA Today, the Nittany Lions would have paid a cheaper buyout had they fired Franklin after December 1, which would’ve reduced the total to $48 million. It seems Penn State was determined to make a statement—even if it meant more money leaving its wallet.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251012_BUS_507807_james-franklin-6-1024x576_a5711cb1.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="James Franklin Penn State HC" class="wp-image-507733" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head Coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>How much would UNC have to pay Belichick?</h2>



Following a 2-3 start to the 2025 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ncaa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NCAA</a> season, the Tar Heels are seemingly having second thoughts. It’s not so much about the record as it is about the fashion of the losses and the overflowing media presence and drama on campus.


 

 

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-football/penn-state-fires-james-franklin-how-much-will-the-school-owe-him-due-to-his-contract"></div>


From Jordon Hudson’s appearance on the field before kickoff to the tug-of-war between Belichick and his former NFL team, the New England Patriots, it seems everything has been blown out of proportion in Chapel Hill. On that note, reports hint <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/north-carolina" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina</a> is at least considering the possibility of moving on from Belichick. Needless to say, it would be anything but an easy—or money-saving—decision.



“Were North Carolina to fire Belichick at any point before Dec. 2027 it would owe him everything he was set to be paid up to that date. As things stand, that figure is north of $20 million,” as reported by CBS Sports. “Anything above $17 million would make Belichick’s buyout one of the five highest in college football history.“



<h2>Head-turning clauses</h2>



North Carolina signed Belichick to a five-year, $50 million deal, which includes $30 million guaranteed over the first three seasons. Therefore, if the Tar Heels scrape the deal before Belichick completes his third NCAA season, the school must pay him as if he had coached them, regardless. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251012_BUS_507807_GettyImages-2233260181-Bolavip-1024x576_d0936374.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Bill Belichick looks on prior to the game vs TCU" class="wp-image-487162" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Bill Belichick before a game</figcaption></figure>



On the other hand, if Belichick decides to leave, then he must pay the school in Chapel Hill $1 million. Prior to June 1st, Belichick would have had to foot a $10 million bill to walk out on the Tar Heels. He took quite a discount, which only fueled rumors of him leaving for an NFL team in the summer.



<h2>Where to now?</h2>



As things stand, just five games into his first coaching experience in college football, it seems North Carolina’s safest option is to stay the course. Perhaps there is light at the end of the tunnel. Even if things turn south, the Tar Heels will be $30 million down by the time the 2027 season wraps up. 


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="68ec22c3370f2f9346100be4" data-title="Should UNC fire Belichick if the Tar Heels fail to make a bowl game this season?" data-options="2"></div>


Instead, it might be wiser to give the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach more time to right his wrongs and build his program exactly as he envisions it—not with the leftover pieces from Mack Brown’s team.

The greatest UNC players in history: 25 Tar Heel legends on the gridiron

While Penn State must pay $56M to James Franklin, how much would UNC owe Bill Belichick in case of firing? - Bolavip US

Penn State must pay $56M to James Franklin, how much would UNC owe Bill Belichick in case of firing?

Despite not being with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-england-patriots" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New England Patriots</a> since the end of the 2024 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL </a>season, Bill Belichick continues to catch strays for his 24-year tenure with the AFC East franchise.&nbsp;



It happened with Nick Saban criticizing Mac Jones’ lack of development during his time with the Patriots and continued with Colin Cowherd praising Mike Vrabel while dragging whatever Belichick left when he exited the team.&nbsp;



The Patriots improved to 3-2 after an upset win over divisional rivals, the Buffalo Bills, on Sunday. Drake Maye had a solid game, going 22 of 30 for 273 yards and zero touchdowns.&nbsp;



Running back Rhamondre Stevenson took care of the scoring, finding the end zone twice, while recording 14 yards on seven carries.&nbsp;It took the Patriots 10 weeks to win three games last season, and they are on a completely different trajectory this campaign, the first under Mike Vrabel. The positive start has caught a lot of attention and Cowherd credited Vrabel, who previously coached the Tennessee Titans, for changing the team’s mindset.



<h2>Colin Cowherd praises Mike Vrabel while bringing down Bill Belichick&nbsp;</h2>



During Monday’s edition of his “The Herd” show, Cowherd lauded Vrabel’s impact on the Patriots’ culture.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251007_BUS_504816_bill-belichick-9-1024x576_6291902d.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Belichick UNC HC" class="wp-image-486837" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels.</figcaption></figure>



“His game was about the culture that Mike Vrabel has built and about Drake Maye now with a legitimate head coach quickly becoming a franchise star,” Cowherd said. “Despite being bad last year, Vrabel is the opposite of Mike McDaniel in Miami. He is all function and no flash. His brand. His scheme is toughness. He’s a 260-pound pair of work boots, and that is what Vrabel is all about.”



The Patriots don’t need their second-year quarterback to play hero ball to win games. They have a balanced team that can get the job, and Vrabel is instilling that never-give-up mindset that can help them compete against anybody.&nbsp;

Colin Cowherd throws shade at Bill Belichick amid Mike Vrabel’s good start with Patriots

Colin Cowherd throws shade at Bill Belichick amid Mike Vrabel's good start with Patriots - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bill-belichick" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bill Belichick</a> and the North Carolina Tar Heels simply can’t catch a break in the 2025 NCAA campaign. ‘Chapel Bill’ is off to a turbulent start and the lopsided defeat at home against the Clemson Tigers did the program no favors. Now, the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach is sensing the pressure to right the ship.



It was never going to be a walk in the park for Belichick and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/north-carolina" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tar Heels</a> in their first season together in college football. However, the decorated head coach may have never expected such a rocky beginning to his <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ncaa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NCAA </a>chapter. The 38-10 loss to the Tigers only added salt into the wounds. 



After the loss to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/clemson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clemson</a>, Belichick addressed the school’s shortcomings with an honest admission. The former New England Patriots mastermind didn’t stutter to take his fair share of blame for UNC’s struggles.



<h2>Belichick’s mea culpa</h2>



“A disappointing outcome for us today,” Belichick commented, via On3. “I thought we had a good week. I think we were ready to go, and unfortunately we gave some big plays early in the game that really tilted the game, and we’re just never able to recover. So we just got to do a better job of coaching, a better job playing, and just eliminate the mistakes that are fixable. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251005_BUS_503829_bill-belichick-1-1024x576_e4094b95.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Bill Belichick walks off the field" class="wp-image-483731" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. </figcaption></figure>



“We just can’t make those mistake,” Belichick said about illegal formation penalties. “When the players make them, that’s obviously bad. But the fact that they happen is part of that’s coaching too. So I’ll take my share of the responsibility on that.”


 

 

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/nick-saban-criticizes-bill-belichick-over-mac-jones-development"></div>


<h2>What’s next?</h2>



Belichick and North Carolina will head into a bye week in the 2025 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-football" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college football</a> season. To say they will enjoy the off-days would be a massive overstatement. However, it might in come in handy for UNC to get back on track ahead of key matchups in the ACC.



On October 17, the Tar Heels will make a trip to the West Coast to take on the California Golden Bears. As if Belichick and his staff didn’t have enough on their plates, they must game-plan for a menace of a quarterback in true freshman Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele.



If North Carolina walks into Berkeley struggling on defense like they have all season long, they could be in for a very long night. Sagapolutele is coming off the worst game of his young career, though. Perhaps Belichick can find a pattern in his three-interception film to exploit when the Tar Heels take on the Golden Bears.

Bill Belichick drops honest confession after UNC loses in humiliating fashion to Clemson

Bill Belichick receives major update on North Carolina’s new approach to recruitment following rocky start to the season

Bill Belichick drops honest confession after UNC loses in humiliating fashion to Clemson - Bolavip US

Belichick drops honest confession after UNC loses in humiliating fashion to Clemson

Mac Jones, alongside Daniel Jones, has become one of the most inspiring stories of the 2025 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a> season. The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-francisco-49ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Francisco 49ers</a> quarterback joined the NFC West franchise to serve as Brock Purdy’s backup, but after starting in three of five matchups, Jones has turned a lot of heads.&nbsp;



The former New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback put up a show against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, leading the 49ers to a close 26-23 win in overtime. Jones went 33 of 49 for 342 yards and two touchdowns, adding four carries for five yards.&nbsp;



This was his third win in as many starts this season, which has increased the noise about whether he should take over as the starter over Purdy, who has dealt with issues and has struggled to be consistent.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Jones continues to draw praise. His former college coach, Nick Saban, made telling comments about Jones’ initial development plans this week.&nbsp;



<h2>Nick Saban throws shade at Bill Belichick, Patriots over Mac Jones’ development&nbsp;</h2>



During Friday’s edition of “The Pat McAfee Show,” the legendary coach said Jones didn’t land in the best situation in the NFL.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251005_BUS_503699_GettyImages-2233260181-Bolavip-1024x576_acd4b3df.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Bill Belichick looks on prior to the game vs TCU" class="wp-image-487162" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Bill Belichick </figcaption></figure>



“I’m so happy for Mac,” Saban said. “I think Mac was one of those guys who was in bad situations in New England relative to coaching and all that stuff, and who was the offensive coordinator, and how did he get developed when he came into the league.”



The Alabama product has played at a much better level under Kyle Shanahan. In three starts, he has recorded 86 completions on 129 pass attempts, racking up 905 yards and six touchdowns against one interception.&nbsp;



Purdy remains the starter, but Jones is sparking conversations around the league.&nbsp;

Nick Saban criticizes Bill Belichick over Mac Jones development

Nick Saban criticizes Bill Belichick over Mac Jones development - Bolavip US

Latest news from Bill Belichick. Find out about all the news related to Bill Belichick on bolavip.com/en