North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick’s college football debut didn’t go as planned. There was much hype surrounding the program under the guidance of a six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach, but it all came crashing down when the TCU Horned Frogs crushed the team from Chapel Hill, 48-14. Interestingly, this is the most points Belichick’s team has allowed in his experience as head coach.
As expected, analysts are all over Belichick after he suffered a blowout defeat in his first college game as head coach. During his appearance on The Greg Hill Show, the current New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel shared his thoughts on Belichick’s first college game. Vrabel was asked whether it’s tough in college to get going, given he also has prior experience as a former Ohio State coach.
“Urban Meyer won 12 of the first 12 games at Ohio State,” Vrabel said. “So it didn’t take him long. I’m just saying, that’s my experience in college football.
Vrabel further said the college football landscape is a lot different right now than it was in 2014 when he was the coach in Columbus. With the introduction of NIL, it has become difficult for college programs to recruit talents, especially for those who don’t have a lot of budget.
“I can only imagine the landscape of college football now,” Vrabel said. “You know, ‘Hey, who are you?’ ‘ Oh, I just came from wherever.’ Right? I’m sure it’s probably not as easy outside of the top few programs.
“Ohio State guys have to take a pay cut when they get to the NFL. It’s called putting it under the budget line for winning. I don’t know what he’s going to have to navigate, you know? I mean, I’ve got plenty to navigate here.”
Mike Vrabel on Bill Belichick and UNC:
Greg: "you coached in college, it takes awhile don't you think, to get a program going?"
Vrabel: "Urban Meyer won 12, of his first 12 games, at Ohio State"
😭😭😭
— Savage (@SavageSports_) September 2, 2025
What’s Next For Bill Belichick And North Carolina After Losing The Season Opener?
Bill Belichick’s UNC could be a lot different for their upcoming games against Charlotte and FCS Richmond. This is because there is uncertainty around whether starting quarterback Gio Lopez is fit enough to feature after taking a hit and going off the field in the third quarter of the game against the TCU Horned Frogs.
After Lopez left the field, veteran quarterback Max Johnson took over, and he was a lot better, as he led a touchdown drive after completing 9-of-11 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown. Belichick will have to decide whether to give the reins back to Johnson or retain Lopez as the program’s starting quarterback.
Read More: UNC Starting QB Named as Bill Belichick Turns to New Face to Lead the Tar Heels For 2025–26 Season
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
