"Somewhat of a father figure" — When Miss Terry Saban revealed Bill Belichick's father played an integral role in their lifelong relationship
Bill Belichick has begun his next career as the North Carolina Tar Heels coach. He signed a five-year $50 million deal to join the team on Dec. 11. The former New England Patriots general manager has received support from his peers, including his longtime friend Nick Saban.
The two coaches have been friends for over 40 years, having worked together when Belichick was head coach of the Cleveland Browns. Fans may remember the HBO documentary The Art of Coaching, which featured Steve Belichick, Belichick's father, helping them form their relationship.
In the documentary, Terry Saban shared that she and her husband stayed at Belichick's family home for a few nights while they looked for their own home when Nick coached the Navy Midshipmen in 1982.
"Mr. Steve Belichick was somewhat of a father figure. You know, he had a lot of experience, and he was took time with Nick and talked to him and explained things, and we actually stayed at their house quite a few nights while we were still trying to find a home, and that's when we met Bill," Terry said.
Nick added that the few nights led him and the UNC coach to become friends by bonding over football.
"Bill used to come home in the summertime to visit his parents and stayed there for a couple of weeks or whatever, and we just kind of naturally...same age, same young guys trying to come up in the business. We just sort of naturally started, you know, talking ball and getting to know each other and became kind of friends," Nick said.
"This is certainly going to be a great challenge for him" — Nick Saban believes Bill Belichick joined UNC to challenge himself
The former Alabama Crimson Tide coach appeared on the Pat McAfee Show on Dec. 13 to discuss his friend joining UNC. Nick shared that he was happy about the decision and thinks Bill wanted a new challenge in his career.
"I'm happy for Bill. I think he probably wanted a new challenge, and this is certainly going to be a great challenge for him. North Carolina is a great academic institution as well as they got plenty of, you know, athletic traditions there in basketball and football and Bill's a great coach," Nick said.
Nick noted that the former Super Bowl Champion can use his accomplishments in the NFL to attract players to compete for the Tar Heels. Bill will aim to lead North Carolina (6-6, 3-5 Atlantic Coast Conference) to become one of the best teams in their conference next season.