Bill Belichick’s time with the New England Patriots ended in 2023 after more than two decades of success. While the split was called mutual, things haven’t been smooth since. That tension became more obvious after Belichick took the head coaching job at North Carolina.
Belichick decided to ban Patriots scouts from attending UNC practices. Many believe that it was a move from Belichick in an attempt to settle scores with owner Robert Kraft.
During Netflix’s “The Roast of Tom Brady” in May 2024, Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft shared a toast after being requested by host Kevin Hart to join him on stage. For a moment, it seemed like everything was back to normal. But today’s reality is very different from that on-stage moment.
Here’s what Belichick said to reporters after UNC’s win over Charlotte 49ers, when asked about banning Patriots’ scouts:
“It’s obvious I’m not welcome at their facility, so they’re not welcome at ours. It’s pretty simple.”
A day later, Patriots’ current head coach Mike Vrabel responded to Belichick’s comment. In a video uploaded by Ari Meirov on X, Vrabel can be heard talking about the issue. He refuted Belichick’s claim that he’s not allowed in the Patriots building.
“Nothing surprises me,” Vrabel said. “Bill came back for, to the best of my knowledge, (to) Tom’s ceremony. So I guess he’s welcomed back based on the fact he was there. I’ll just go by that. Since his departure as the head coach here, he’s been back. I’ll leave it at that.”
#Patriots HC Mike Vrabel on Bill Belichick banning Patriots scouts because he isn’t welcome at the facility:
Vrabel noted Belichick was at Tom Brady’s jersey retirement ceremony last year — “so I guess he’s welcome back based on the fact that he was there.”
(via @Patriots YT) https://t.co/npbeKciadB pic.twitter.com/3PuUonEK00
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 8, 2025
Vrabel made it clear that if Belichick’s comment was in response to the animosity the organization might have against him, he’s sadly mistaken. As per the HC, Belichick can go to the Patriots’ ground if he wants to.
Jason Whitlock Wants UNC to Fire Bill Belichick
A legendary coach, eight-time Super Bowl champion, and three-time AP NFL Coach of the Year coming to coach a revered program like the Tar Heels was expected to have a much better start. So far, it’s been a disappointing run.
UNC have lost one of the two games they’ve played. Apart from the losses, fans and critics believe the Tar Heels are not in control of the games, which puts more pressure on the head coach. As per Jason Whitlock, the ideal thing to do in the current situation would be to fire Belichick.
“This North Carolina deal is not going to work. It’s a wrap,” Whitlock said. “Bill Belichick is making a fool of himself. His team looked soft, looked confused. It looked like a team that’s being led by a 73-year-old man who is publicly gallivanting around, parading around, with a 24-year-old sugar baby.” (0:46)
As per Whitlock, Belichick is way past his prime and is incapable of taking this team on a respectable run. With only two games so far, it’s too soon to draw that conclusion. If Belichick wants to add another feather to his cap, he’ll have to do something extraordinary with this team.
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