Rob Gronkowski makes feelings clear on Bill Belichick to UNC as ex-Patriots HC outlines ‘400-page bible’
Rob Gronkowski reacted to the news of Bill Belichick taking on a new head coaching role. The eight-time Super Bowl-winning tactician is bringing his knowledge to the college level as the new head coach at the University of North Carolina. This move caught many by surprise, including Gronkowski, who spent years playing under Belichick in New England.
The retired tight end offered his thoughts on this new challenge during Tuesday’s appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show." Gronk cast doubt on Belichick's willingness to handle the additional responsibilities that come with being a college head coach.
“I can't see Coach Belichick, you know, being all in that situation,” Gronkowski said. “Coaching wise, 100%. On the field, getting these players ready for the NFL, that's what he would do."
"But hey, when it comes to recruiting, I think that's the question mark, and that's really up to him, if he can see himself doing that, which me, personally, I can see him getting tired and old with all that transfer portal and NIL stuff going on.”
Seeing Bill Belichick become a college coach was unthinkable after the 2023 NFL season. Even though he didn’t get a job during the January coaching cycle, the former New England Patriots head tactician was expected to wait until the end of the 2024 campaign to explore new opportunities.
Belichick is reportedly on his way to the University of North Carolina, which would be his first college coaching experience. However, the final steps in this process may not go smoothly due to a major sticking point Belichick is reportedly unwilling to change.
Bill Belichick reportedly handed a 400-page "organizational bible" to UNC
The Guardian reporter Ollie Connolly reported on Tuesday that, as part of negotiations, Belichick handed UNC a 400-page "organizational bible" detailing the program’s structure, payment plans, staffing choices and more. The institution is expected to announce its decision within hours as it reviews Belichick’s plan for the program.
This bible would require “historic levels of investment” from the school, including hiring two separate staff: a coaching group led by Belichick and a recruiting staff headed by a sitting college general manager.
Bill Belichick is reportedly unwilling to compromise on his conditions and is uncertain whether UNC will agree to these terms. The next hours will be crucial for determining the future of Belichick's celebrated coaching career.