Chapel Hill, North Carolina, September 5, 2025

News Summary

Bill Belichick has been appointed as the head coach of the University of North Carolina football team, marking a major shift for the struggling program. After a disappointing previous season, UNC aims for renewal with Belichick’s proven coaching strategies as they prepare for their upcoming season. The roster has been bolstered with key recruits, and expectations are set high for improvement. The Tar Heels kick off their season against TCU, looking to rejuvenate their football legacy under Belichick’s leadership.

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Bill Belichick Takes Charge of UNC Football as Tar Heels Prepare for 2025 Season

Bill Belichick has been appointed as the head coach of the University of North Carolina (UNC) football team, marking a significant change for the program as it prepares for the 2025 season. With this appointment, Belichick, the oldest coach in college football, will make his NCAA coaching debut after an illustrious career in the NFL.

The Tar Heels enter the 2025 offseason as one of the most discussed college football programs, especially after a disappointing 2024 season where they ended with a record of 6-6. The firing of former coach Mack Brown has prompted the university to seek a fresh start, and Belichick’s proven coaching strategies are expected to revitalize the struggling program.

Injuries played a critical role in the Tar Heels’ lackluster performance last season, most notably with quarterback Max Johnson being sidelined early in the campaign. Additionally, the defense, which allowed approximately 30 points per game, ranked poorly, sitting at 89th in FBS for points allowed and 116th in Phil Steele’s Pass Defense Rankings. A particularly humiliating loss came in Week 4 against James Madison, who scored 70 points against UNC.

Since Belichick’s arrival, the 2025 roster has been fortified with 21 new players, including four incoming freshmen and 17 players acquired through the transfer portal. The most significant recruit is Baker, a four-star quarterback known for throwing 40 passing touchdowns last season. Other noteworthy additions include Cobb, a three-star running back with over 1,500 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, and Nwabuisi-Ezeala, a promising defensive lineman from Germany.

Moreover, the Tar Heels’ biggest offseason acquisition is Gio Lopez, a former quarterback from South Alabama, who is expected to become a leading presence in the ACC. With all these new talents, UNC’s projected win total for the upcoming season is set at 7.5, with betting odds favoring the under at -165 and the over at +140. Betting interest has surged, with BetMGM reporting that 58% of ticket sales and 69% of total handle as of August 6 have been for UNC’s under 7.5 wins.

The Tar Heels will face several challenging matchups in the 2025 season, starting with TCU in Week 1 and including ACC powerhouse Clemson in Week 6. Despite these tough early games, the overall schedule appears manageable with multiple winnable matchups. The team is preparing diligently for their season opener against TCU at Kenan Stadium on August 30, 2025.

Belichick’s entrée into college football signifies a hopeful shift for UNC’s football program. He is anticipated to leverage his defensive expertise to enhance the team’s defensive performance, particularly focusing on the defensive back end.

Key Features of UNC’s 2025 Football Season

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Additional Resources

• 247 Sports: UNC Starting a Freshman at Left Tackle
• SI: NC State Wolfpack Football News
• Fayetteville Observer: Bill Belichick and UNC Football
• High School OT: Freshmen Impact Players
• News Observer: NC State Football Updates
• Wikipedia: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Google Search: North Carolina Football 2025 Season
• Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football

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