"Greatest coach of all time is choosing to go in college football": Dan Orlovsky makes eye-catching remarks on Bill Belichick's UNC move
Bill Belichick is poised to take the reins as the new head coach of the University of North Carolina in a stunning development for the program and legendary NFL coach.
According to The Athletic, Belichick’s contract is worth $10 million annually. UNC’s name, image, and likeness (NIL) commitments are set to rise from $4 million to $20 million, showcasing the school’s dedication to attracting top-tier talent under Belichick’s leadership.
Dan Orlovsky makes eye-catching remarks on Bill Belichick's UNC move
Former NFL quarterback and current analyst Dan Orlovsky shared his perspective on Belichick’s move during ESPN’s Get Up, dubbing it a transformative moment for college football.
"When Nick Saban retired from college football, it was massive change and it felt like in a bad way, that the greatest college football coach of all time no longer wanted to be a part of it”, he said. “I think today signals college football is changing but with a positive vantage point. That the greatest coach of all time is choosing to go be in college football and I think it is a new era that will start."
Belichick, 72, expressed his enthusiasm for this next chapter, stated as part of a release announcing the move.
“I grew up around college football with my dad and treasured those times. I have always wanted to coach in college and now I look forward to building the football program in Chapel Hill."
Belichick's coaching career and North Carolina expectations
Belichick brings a legendary resume to UNC, but his decision to step into the college arena marks a great shift in his storied career. He is set to turn 73 by the time he coaches his first game with the Tar Heels, becoming the oldest active coach in college football, overtaking former UNC coach Mack Brown in that distinction.
While many believed Belichick would remain in the NFL to chase Don Shula’s all-time wins record, his move to college football suggests a new focus. With 303 total wins, Belichick is just 26 victories shy of Shula’s record, but this college move likely means his NFL coaching tally will remain unchanged.
Over his 29 seasons in the NFL, including 24 with the Patriots, Belichick amassed an unparalleled legacy. His record of 302-165 includes six Super Bowl championships, nine Super Bowl appearances, and 266 regular-season victories with New England alone.
Despite this long-standing NFL coaching career, Belichick has never officially coached at the college level, making this transition a compelling and unprecedented step.
During the introductory news conference, Belichick was asked several times about what expectations should be for him at North Carolina.
“I believe we’re going to run a good program and have a good team. We’ll see where that all goes," Belichick said. "I’m not making any predictions. I’m just saying I’m coming in to do the best I can.”
When asked about his recruitment plans Bill Belichick lays out UNC's vision, he emphasized that it is aligned with the vision of the management.
"We want to recruit well in this state and this area," said he would "absolutely" visit recruits on in-home visits. "I feel like doing it a long time," he emphasized that "recruiting plan belongs to (General Manager Michael Lombardi) and his recruiting staff, he added. "We'll recruit any kid to come here. ... I think we'll be able to recruit nationally."
Expectations are sky-high in Chapel Hill as Belichick prepares to take over the Tar Heels program. The university’s willingness to boost NIL funding and secure a coach of Belichick’s caliber signals the program’s strong commitment.