The UNC football program announces Bill Belichick's first official coaching staff

It's official.

North Carolina's football coaching staff under first year college head coach Bill Belichick has been released.

As you see below in the tweet found on X (formely Twitter), Brian and Steve Belichick (sons of Bill) are helping steer the program to success after the past couple of seasons fell short of expectations despite having NFL talented quarterbacks such as Seattle Seahawks Sam Howell and New England Patriots Drake Maye.

Jamie Collins (inside linebackers), Ty Nichols (outside linebackers), Bob Diaco (defensive line), Armond Hawkins (cornerbacks) are entering the staff to beef up UNC's defense to hold opposing teams from reaching the end zone. During the 2024 season, opponents scored an average of 28.08 points (the total comes out to 365). Through the air, Carolina allowed 2,942 yards accumulating to 19 touchdowns. And on the ground, 2,268 yards with an output of 21 touchdowns.

It's safe to say that UNC has plenty to work on in order to change those numbers, but having Steve Belichick as the defensive coordinator should do wonders this coming fall.

On the other hand, Carolina's story on the offensive side of the ball had struggles for many reasons. One being the injury suffered by Texas A&M transfer Max Johnson during the opener against Minnesota. Johnson was out for the season and left the keys in the hands of Conner Harrell and Jacolby Criswell. Over time, Criswell earned the permanent starting spot and led the Heels down the line.

Freddie Kitchens returns to the staff after Mack Brown's departure to serve as the offensive coordinator and tight ends coach. In his corner are Will Friend (offensive line), Matt Lombardi (quarterbacks), Natrone Means (running backs), and Garrick McGee (wide receivers).

North Carolina, more times than not, produced points on the ground courtesy of Omarion Hampton's legs. And it will be hard to replace his numbers of 1,660 yards on 281 carries and 15 touchdowns. As a whole, the Heels scored had an average of 30.92 points per game. 273 total first downs (125 rushing and 122 passing).

Overall, Brown's last season saw 26 rushing touchdowns in comparison to 18 passing. All things considered, it would be efficient for UNC to have a rounded out playstyle — one that allows them to score in a variety of ways, keeping teams off balance.

March is here, and less than six months to go until the season opener.

The Bill Belichick era is here.