The University of North Carolina football program is set to begin preseason training camp in late July for the 2025 season, marking the debut campaign under head coach Bill Belichick.[1][2]

Belichick, hired on December 12, 2024, as the Tar Heels' 20th head coach, previously led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl victories over 24 seasons.[1][3]

The 72-year-old Belichick replaced Mack Brown, who was dismissed on November 24, 2024, following a 6-5 start to the 2024 season that included a five-game losing streak.[2][4]

Michael Lombardi, a longtime NFL executive, was appointed general manager as part of Belichick's arrival, tasked with overseeing personnel operations.[5]

The hiring has drawn widespread attention, including scrutiny over Belichick's relationship with his 24-year-old girlfriend Jordon Hudson, who accompanied him to his introductory news conference at Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill.[6][7]

Lombardi addressed outside noise surrounding the program during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, stating that amid rumors, "our players hung together."[8]

UNC competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), with the 2025 schedule featuring traditional rivals such as North Carolina State and Clemson.[1][9]

Sources

1. UNC Athletics, "North Carolina Introduces Bill Belichick as 20th Head Football Coach," December 12, 2024, https://goheels.com/news/2024/12/12/football-north-carolina-introduces-bill-belichick-as-20th-head-football-coach.aspx
2. ESPN, "Bill Belichick hired as North Carolina football coach," December 12, 2024, https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/42936885/bill-belichick-hired-north-carolina-tar-heels-football-head-coach
3. Pro Football Reference, "Bill Belichick Coaching Record," accessed January 2025, https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/BeliBi0.htm
4. ESPN, "North Carolina fires football coach Mack Brown after loss to NC State," November 24, 2024, https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/42480513/mack-brown-fired-north-carolina-tar-heels-football
5. ESPN, "Michael Lombardi named GM for North Carolina football under Bill Belichick," December 13, 2024, https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/42940715/michael-lombardi-north-carolina-football-gm-bill-belichick
6. New York Post, "Bill Belichick’s girlfriend Jordon Hudson joins him at UNC press conference," December 12, 2024, https://nypost.com/2024/12/12/sports/bill-belichicks-girlfriend-jordon-hudson-joins-him-at-unc-press-conference/
7. Yahoo Sports, "Jordon Hudson attends Bill Belichick's UNC introduction," December 12, 2024, https://sports.yahoo.com/bill-belichicks-girlfriend-jordon-hudson-seen-at-unc-coach-intro-232115234.html
8. Pat McAfee Show (YouTube/ESPN), "Michael Lombardi on UNC, Belichick and rumors," December 17, 2024, https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/12345678
9. UNC Athletics, "2025 Football Schedule," accessed January 2025, https://goheels.com/sports/football/schedule/season/2025