When the head coaching search began, Bill Belichick, an eight-time Super Bowl champion, was not the number one choice for UNC Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham.
But who was it? It was no other than former UNC player Arthur Smith — now the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The familiarity of "keeping it in the family" for UNC athletics is common (occurs a lot with the men's basketball program, too). However, in the end it was arguably the greatest coach to step onto a field that landed the job.
An ESPN article written by David Hale, Andrea Adelson, and Chris Low told the whole story.
"In truth, however, Cunningham had his sights set on another former NFL head coach -- former UNC player and current Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
Cunningham first reached out to Smith in early November, simply to gauge his interest in a job that was not yet officially open. No interviews took place, though the two sides kept in touch. Smith was intrigued, and he was seen as a consensus candidate at UNC, with support from Roberts and board members.
They were all hopeful they could lure Smith back to Chapel Hill, and then whether it was Belichick or anybody else, it would have been a moot point. Smith is who they wanted, one source said."
Belichick's political connections sparked his initial engagement of interest for UNC — an interesting strategy, nonetheless.
"Belichick first sent word of his interest in the UNC job through political allies. He reached out to a longtime friend, then-Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, who then contacted Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, hoping to light a fire in Chapel Hill in support of Belichick."
All things considered, imagine if Belichick was never hired by UNC. What if he didn't express interest in the position? These are the questions that will never be answered because, well, he's officially in Chapel Hill. The 73-year-old completed his first spring practice on Tuesday, March 4 — Belichick's squad was found wearing jerseys with no number and logo — completely blank.
The UNC football program is receiving more attention than ever and is being held to high expectations since Belichick is in the driver's seat. Can he take the Tar Heels to the playoffs? Finish the season ranked? Win an ACC championship? All are possibilities, but there is still a lot of preparation for this Carolina team ahead.
It's more than likely safe to say that UNC fans are glad Belichick is in town.