Now that the head coach is in place, there's still plenty of interest regarding who will be on his staff with the UNC football program.
During his introductory press conference, Belichick announced the "first hire" of his new staff, as it's a familiar face for UNC football fans.
UNC interim HC Freddie Kitchens will be the "first hire" for Bill Belichick's coaching staff, Belichick says.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 12, 2024
Freddie Kitchens, the current interim head coach, is the first hire Belichick brought up while speaking to the media. Kitchens will still coach the UNC football program in the bowl game, but his role with the team moving forward is still to be determined.
Keeping Kitchens on the staff makes a lot of sense for Belichick, given their prior history and their connection throughout this process. Belichick noted that he has a "ton of respect" for Kitchens, a coach who is well-liked by and knows the current roster very well.
As Belichick looks to evaluate the talent on his inherited roster, not many people can help him (and general manager Michael Lombardi) navigate through the process.
After spending the last two seasons working under Mack Brown, Kitchens will remain with the Tar Heels for at least another season, pairing up with Bill Belichick in an effort to get the UNC football program into the national contender conversation moving forward.