ACC's new big man Bill Belichick takes subtle jab at arch-rivals Duke, inspired by his Carolina past
The UNC-Duke longstanding rivalry in college sports was ignited once again following an introductory press conference involving new Tar Heel coach Bill Belichick.
Belichick was very young when his father Steven Belichick was hired as an assistant coach at UNC from 1953-1955. During the press conference, UNC chancellor Lee Roberts and athletic director Bubba Cunningham made a heartfelt gesture, presenting him his dad's old UNC sweatshirt from his coaching days.
With the past behind him, ACC's newest prominent person, Bill Belichick took a subtle jab at Victory Bell rivals Duke while sharing "full circle" moment for him to return Chapel Hill.
"When you're little, you don't remember everything, and I was too young to remember things from Carolina. But you hear the same stories over and over again, and one I always heard were "Billy's first words were 'Beat Duke,'" he said. "So full circle."
Bill Belichick "always wanted to coach college football" team
Many expected Bill Belichick to wait out for the NFL season before making a decision on his future. But he stunned the football fraternity by signing with UNC, a move that was unexpected, given he was only 14 wins shy from being the winningest coach in NFL history.
During the press conference, he shared the reason for wanting to coach a college football team at the age of 72.
"I always wanted to coach in college football, it just never really worked out. I had some good years in the NFL, so that was OK," Belichick told reporters in Chapel Hill. "But this is really a dream come true. I grew up in college football with my dad and as a kid all I knew was college football. It's great to come back home to Carolina and back into an environment I grew up in.
"I think I have a better overall perspective of the game of football and the fan interest in football. When you're locked into coaching, you're not as aware of the external excitement and energy and feelings. That became a lot more evident to me," he added. "It's great, the most popular sport by far and I can see why."
College football is a lot different than the NFL. But Belichick was not just the Patriots' coach but also their de-facto general manager for 24 years, giving him experience in talking, negotiating and assessing deals. All these skills will come in handy when he goes for recruitment.