When reports started to spread that the North Carolina Tar Heels were making moves to hire legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick, they were easy to dismiss. Yet, the rumors were confirmed, and the news took the college football world by storm.
Football fans and pundits were quick to share their opinions, including former Detroit Lions quarterback Dan Orlovsky.
Dan Orlovsky Reacts to Bill Belichick UNC Move
Few are more excited about Belichick’s move to UNC than Orlovsky. During ESPN’s “Get Up,” Orlovsky gave his opinion on the news, referring to it as the start of a “new era” in college football.
“When Nick Saban retired from college football, it was a massive change,” Orlovsky said. “It felt like in a bad way. That college football was changing so much that the greatest college football coach of all time no longer wanted to be a part of it.
“And I think today signals college football is channeling but with a positive vantage point. That the greatest coach of all time is choosing to go be in college football, and I think it’s a new era that will start.”
.@danorlovsky7 says a new era is starting in college football after Bill Belichick became UNC football's HC 😤
"I think today signals college football is changing but with a positive vantage point. That the greatest coach of all time is choosing to go be in college football." pic.twitter.com/F6avHsQ8lV
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) December 12, 2024
It takes one look at Belichick’s résumé to understand the hype. The 72-year-old is one of the most accomplished coaches in football history. Though he has spent the bulk of his career at the NFL level, it will be interesting to see how he approaches college football, especially when it comes to recruiting.
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According to “The Athletic,” Belichick will reportedly be paid $10 million annually. His presence in UNC’s football program will likely attract top talents, and the program is ready for that, with its NIL commitments set to rise by $16 million.
Adam Schefter Offers Insight on Motivation Behind Belichick’s Move to North Carolina
ESPN analyst Adam Schefter believes Belichick lost faith in the NFL after ending up on the negative side of last year’s coaching cycle. He detailed the sequence of events that likely pushed Belichick toward the college ranks.
“We go back to Bill Belichick interviewing and being a finalist for the Atlanta Falcons’ head coaching job, and the Falcons decided to go with Raheem Morris,” Schefter began. “The Washington Commanders had a phone call with Bill Belichick and ultimately decided to go with Dan Quinn.
“I think Bill Belichick looks at the NFL and doesn’t trust that the league is going to make the right decision. There is uncertainty about whether or not he would get a head coaching job at the NFL level at this time.”
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