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UNC Football: Bill Belichick calls Lawrence Taylor Defensive “GOAT”

By Nick Delahanty

Jan 4, 1987; E. Rutherford, NJ, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) and Harry Carson (53) on the sideline with assistant coach Bill Belichick during the 1986 NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Giants Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 1987; E. Rutherford, NJ, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) and Harry Carson (53) on the sideline with assistant coach Bill Belichick during the 1986 NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Giants Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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The former New York Giants defensive coordinator believes that UNC football legend Lawrence Taylor is the greatest defensive player ever.

Bill Belichick has had quite the coaching career.

Of course, most people point to Belichick’s success as the New England Patriots’ head coach, but it’s important to remember how good of a defensive coach he was for the New York Giants from 1979-1990.

Over his 12-year tenure with the Giants, Belichick played a critical role in the organization’s Super Bowl championships in both 1986 and 1990. In fact, his defensive game plan from the Giants’ upset over the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXV has a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

During that time, Belichick had the opportunity to coach UNC football legend Lawrence Taylor. The former Tar Heel was a force on the defensive side of the ball, as he paved the way on the field for those Giants teams to have as much success as they ultimately did.

Reflecting a bit on his coaching career, Belichick sat down for a multi-part series interview with The 33rd Team. As part of his appearance, Belichick discussed having the opportunity to coach some of the greatest players in the sport’s history.

"“I feel like I’ve coached the best offensive player, the best defensive player and the best special-teams player in football.”"

Belichick believes that he’s coached the greatest offensive player ever, quarterback Tom Brady, as well as the best special teams player, Matthew Slater, both of whom he coached in New England.

The defensive player, of course, was none other than Taylor.

Plenty of players have come and gone in the NFL, but not many (if any at all) can say they have close to the resume that Lawrence Taylor put together. A legendary coach recognizes legendary talent, as Bill Belichick considers Lawrence Taylor the defensive “GOAT” of the National Football League.

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