Spring practices are underway in Chapel Hill, and Bill Belichick is now officially leading North Carolina’s football program.
The Tar Heels began spring workouts Tuesday with Belichick’s influence immediately visible. Players wore jerseys without names or numbers, with white jerseys for defense and baby blue for offense.
Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde was among approximately 40 media members granted 15 minutes of practice observation Wednesday.
"This was the most curiosity North Carolina spring football has ever produced, without question," Forde wrote.
The practice contained mostly routine drills, but Belichick’s operational style was evident throughout the session.
Belichick faces significant challenges ahead. He takes over a team that finished 6-7 last season and has consistently struggled to meet expectations. General manager Michael Lombardi has referred to the program as "the 33rd NFL team."
"I really don’t have any expectations," Belichick said when asked about the upcoming season.
This approach differs significantly from Deion Sanders, whom Forde described as "the last stunning hire in college football" before Belichick.
"Belichick, not any player, is the Louis Vuitton in this unprecedented move from professional legend status to a first-time college gig," Forde wrote. "What he can do with the ’33rd NFL team’ in Year 1 will be the most fascinating storyline in the sport."
Sanders made headlines when he arrived at Colorado in 2023 with his direct approach, telling players to pack their bags because "I’m bringing my luggage, and it’s Louis." He boldly predicted immediate competitiveness, frequently stating "We coming," before finishing 4-8 in his first year and improving to 9-4 in his second season.
Belichick represents a complete contrast to Sanders in approach. Both were unexpected hires taking over historically underperforming programs with rebuilding tasks in today’s competitive landscape. The similarities end there.
While Sanders arrived with confidence and bold statements, Belichick is implementing a methodical, measured approach. The impact on North Carolina’s program remains to be seen, but it’s already become one of college football’s most watched storylines.
