Bill Belichick, UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham, sat next to the man he hired as North Carolina’s next head football coach, wearing a sleeveless suit in a big nod to the Tar Heels’ next leader.
Belichick was known to wear a sleeveless suit during his 24 years as head coach of the New England Patriots.
The honor came during Belichick’s introductory news conference on Thursday, when the eight-time Super Bowl-winning coach signed a five-year, $50 million contract to take over at UNC on Wednesday.
The shock in the football world of Belichick landing in Chapel Hill hasn’t gone away, even with his presentation as leader of the Tar Heels.
Belichick never coached in college football before UNC and spent nearly five decades on the sidelines of the NFL.
During his time in a sleeveless suit as a head coach, Belichick won six Super Bowls with New England and appeared in nine Super Bowls.
UNC AD Bubba Cunningham donned a sleeveless suit in a big nod to Bill Belichick
Belichick was named head coach at North Carolina on Wednesday, his first college job
Cunningham secured the services of one of the greatest coaches of all time during a unique time in college football.
Between name, image and likeness, the transfer portal and the upcoming revenue split, the college game is unlike ever before, with those with Belichick’s experience mostly opting for retirement.
Now the 72-year-old Belichick becomes the oldest FBS head coach, with Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz the second oldest at 69.
Belichick appears ready to take on those challenges in a new venture outside the NFL.
Belichick’s first game as UNC’s head coach is Aug. 30 against TCU.