Belichick says North Carolina job is 'a dream come true'
Bill Belichick cracked a few jokes, held up an old UNC sweatshirt that belonged to his dad and vowed to bring a professional model to North Carolina in his introductory news conference Thursday as the Tar Heels' new head coach.
Belichick was greeted with a standing ovation when he entered the room to speak to an overflow crowd of media and UNC supporters, including newly inducted College Football Hall of Famer Julius Peppers.
In many ways, it felt surreal -- a six-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, a giant among coaches, sitting at a dais inside Kenan Memorial Stadium with Carolina blue seats just outside the suite doors.
Belichick, who spent his entire career in the NFL and is second only to Don Shula (328) with 302 regular-season wins, said he had always wanted to coach in college.
"It just never really worked out," Belichick said. "Had some good years in the NFL, so that was OK, but this is a dream come true. I grew up in college football with my dad. As a kid, all I knew was college football."
His dad, Steve, served as an assistant coach for the Tar Heels from 1953 to 1955. During his introductory comments, UNC chancellor Lee Roberts pulled out a copy from the 1954 North Carolina media guide and read an excerpt about Steve Belichick that ended with a line about his 2-year-old son, William Steven. "Coach, welcome back to Carolina," Roberts said.
Roberts presented Belichick with a gray short-sleeved hoodie, the coach's trademark look. Athletic director Bubba Cunningham then pulled out a suit jacket with the sleeves torn off, another ode to Belichick. At that point, Belichick said he had his own gear and pulled out a white hoodie his dad had during his time at Carolina.
"You can tell I liked it," Belichick said. "I've kept it a long time."
Thanks for sharing that info. He’s such an interesting story. I certainly will be watching the Tarheels from the next season on. I’m sure he’ll make a big difference.
