Bill Belichick’s NFL success has been closely associated with legendary quarterback Tom Brady. The duo delivered six Super Bowl titles to the New England Patriots. While Brady managed to win one even after leaving the Patriots and Belichick, the legendary coach has not much to show after going in a different direction.
That’s why every time he suffers an embarrassing loss, fans are quick to suggest that Brady was the reason for his success. This happened on Monday as well, as his college debut with the North Carolina Tar Heels was spoiled with a 48-14 defeat at the hands of quarterback Josh Hoover’s TCU Horned Frogs.
“Tom Brady is not walking through that door, buddy lol,” one fan wrote.
“Bill Belichick continues to prove he is nothing without Tom Brady,” another fan added.
Bill Belichick continues to prove he is nothing without Tom Brady. #UNCvsTCU #TarHeelNation
◦Record with Brady: 249-75
◦Record without Brady: 83-104
◦Record in College 0-1The game is over in the 3rd quarter (41-7) pic.twitter.com/SnWgb3dCx0
— HotTakes (@hottakes_app) September 2, 2025
“TCU to North Carolina in Bill Belichick’ college football debut,” one fan shared a hilarious meme.
“Tom Coughlin FC is enjoying retirement while Brady merchant Bill Belichick is getting blown out by TCU, still trying to prove his individual worth. We won the war,” another fan wrote.
“Tom Brady watching TCU beat the dog sh*t out of Bill Belichick’s Tar Heels,” one fan shared.
“CFB: All the celebrities in attendance ended up watching Bill Belichick fumble his UNC football debut vs. TCU. It turns out having Tom Brady on your team DOES make a difference 😅,” one fan noted.
“UNC getting blown out by 30 to TCU and Bill Belichick continuing his losing record without Tom Brady in the NCAA,” one fan posted.
UNC getting blown out by 30 to TCU and Bill Belichick continuing his losing record without Tom Brady in the NCAA pic.twitter.com/lii440Lhjw
— Tyler Beauchesne (@SensfleckTy) September 2, 2025

Bill Belichick’s UNC QB1 Gio Lopez gets injured
Apart from the embarrassing loss, North Carolina starting quarterback Gio Lopez was taken off the field in the third quarter after a hit that resulted in a TCU recovery and a touchdown. Veteran quarterback Max Johnson replaced Lopez for the remainder of the game.
“Max Johnson getting his opportunity on the last turnover that Gio Lopez, the starting quarterback, had,” Rece Davis said (via ESPN broadcast). “Had he took a hit low and he’s in the injury tent right now. A transfer from South Alabama, a guy that won the job won the competition with Max Johnson. We’ll check on him if we get word on his condition and it.”
Johnson completed nine of 11 passes for 103 yards and one touchdown. It remains to be seen if Belichick picks him in the starter role for their next game.
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