Bill Belichick has banned New England Patriots scouts from attending North Carolina practices, according to John Middlekauff. The move adds tension to Belichick’s already rocky relationship with Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
The decision comes after UNC’s 48-14 loss to TCU in Belichick’s coaching debut. NFL scouts have already faced restrictions accessing Tar Heels practices under the new coach.
Barring his former team carries extra weight beyond normal practice restrictions.
The Patriots ended Belichick’s 24-year tenure in New England following three consecutive losing seasons. Kraft chose not to retain the six-time Super Bowl winner, leading to Belichick’s surprising move to college football.
Ari Meirov reported that NFL scouts are finding it difficult to evaluate UNC players under Belichick’s strict access policies. The Patriots ban represents the most significant restriction yet.
“This is the latest petty move by Bill Belichick — and in the big picture it only hurts his players and future recruits,” Meirov wrote.
College players depend on NFL exposure for draft positioning and professional opportunities. Blocking scouts from any of the league’s 32 teams creates additional barriers for prospects.
The Patriots maintain one of the NFL’s most active scouting operations.
Belichick’s control-focused approach defined his Patriots tenure. He restricted media access and maintained tight security around team operations throughout his New England years.
Those same methods are now being applied at UNC. The question is whether college football will respond differently than the NFL did.
The Tar Heels struggled significantly in their season opener against TCU. Belichick’s team allowed 48 points and managed just two touchdowns in a performance that highlighted the program’s rebuilding needs.
UNC faces additional challenges beyond on-field performance. The Patriots ban suggests Belichick’s college experiment may involve settling scores from his NFL departure rather than focusing solely on developing players.
