Published on December 14th, 2024 by Inside Carolina
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — As Seth Trimble walked off Roy Williams Court and into North Carolina’s home tunnel for halftime of Saturday’s game against La Salle, he looked in amazement at who stood before him.
Directly in front of the junior guard on his way to the locker room appeared Bill Belichick — the six-time Super Bowl champion and long-time head coach of the New England Patriots who recently committed to be the next head coach of UNC football.
“I just, like, stared at him, kind of,” Trimble said after UNC’s 93-67 win on Saturday. “I wanted to say hi to him, but I was in awe.”
UNC introduced Belichick at halftime, with the Smith Center crowd offering a roaring ovation to the new leader of the school’s football program. His hiring on Wednesday — once a delusional thought, as Trimble described it — led to a surreal sight for those in attendance. Belichick, often seen in his NFL days wearing Patriots hoodies on the sidelines (sometimes with the sleeves cut off), walked to center court donning a Carolina blue blazer over his shirt and a tie patterned with the signature UNC argyle.
Belichick waved to the ecstatic crowd and waited as the applause simmered before addressing the fan base.
“What a thrill it is to be here,” Belichick said. “Dean Smith Center, Roy Williams Court, and the first basketball coach that I’ve really ever connected with, Frank McGuire, had a great history here at Carolina Basketball.
“Can’t wait to get started on our football program. Already got rolling here a few days (ago), and can’t wait to represent this school. (At) Kenan Stadium, give the fans something to be proud of. We’re gonna work hard, and we’re gonna play hard. Looking forward to winning.”
Four-star quarterback Bryce Baker, who initially committed to UNC under Mack Brown and solidified his commitment on Saturday before the basketball game, was introduced directly after Belichick. Baker was the No. 3 player in the state of North Carolina coming out of Kernersville (N.C.) East Forsyth High in the class of 2025, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. He was also the No. 8-ranked quarterback in the nation.
Baker, who received an enthusiastic ovation of his own, delivered a quick message to the fans after Belichick.
“I love this sport beyond measure,” Baker said. “And when it’s my time, trust me, we’re gonna get this thing rolling.”
Belichick and North Carolina agreed to a five-year deal with an annual salary of $10 million this week. Belichick, 72, spent 38 years in the NFL, including his 24 seasons as the head coach of the Patriots. He won 302 regular season games and an NFL record 31 playoff games, but he’s never coached at the collegiate level.
After the game, RJ Davis said he wasn’t sure if Belichick would truly become UNC’s head coach after hearing the speculation. But now that Belichick’s arrival in Chapel Hill is a reality, he said he’s looking forward to seeing what he can do with the program.
“To have a Hall of Fame coach like him, I mean, he’s won a lot of Super Bowls with the Patriots and Tom Brady,” Davis said. “To have a prestigious coach like that, to help this program out in football, I think it’ll be huge for us. I’m super happy for him and just for this program, because I know how much Carolina basketball and football, just sports overall, mean to the university, but also to these fans.”
Belichick’s father, Steve, coached for North Carolina football from 1953-55 as an assistant, which played a role in his interest in the job. Belichick’s goal with UNC is to run it like a “pro program” as he seeks to keep the school ahead with all the changes in college football. He said he looks forward to teaching and developing players as well as helping North Carolina navigate the current landscape of the sport.
Trimble, like many in the Patriots’ run of Super Bowl victories, didn’t grow up rooting for Belichick’s teams. But he’s ready to put the past behind him and support Belichick — as long as it benefits UNC’s football program and brings in some wins.
“It’s good for us,” Trimble said. “Good for this school. I mean, he’s the goat. Who wouldn’t want the goat to coach at the school? I hope he brings a lot of money in, because the more money they get, the more money we get. I’ll be at a lot of games. I’ll be at a lot of games, for sure. I’m excited for that.”
Jeremiah Holloway 