Chapel Hill, N.C. — The head coach who won six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots is coming to Chapel Hill.

From the first rumors that Bill Belichick was interviewing with the University of North Carolina through the introductory press conference and celebratory appearance on campus, WRAL has been tracking the coach’s hiring process.

Dec. 5, 2024: Belichick interviews for UNC head football coach vacancy

Mack Brown had been fired after six seasons and a 44-33 record in his second stint as head coach of the Tar Heels. The regular season ended with a 35-30 loss to rival North Carolina State University, and an interim coach had begun bowl preparations.

Then the news: Belichick, who spent a year broadcasting for ESPN, was interviewing for the job.

Dec. 6, 2024: A second interview

Just a day later, in New York, UNC reps were again talking to Belichick about the job.

Dec. 8, 2024: UNC learns it will play in Fenway Bowl

As bowl game invites were being accepted, Tar Heels fans were wondering who their date would be for the coming football season.

Dec. 9, 2024: Chapel Bill watch begins

The Carolina coaching search, and the indications that Belichick was the one and only candidate, become national news.

UNC leadership outlines the process they will follow to make an offer, get a contract approved and land the coach.

On Pat McAfee’s show, Belichick says he wants to build a professional program at the college level.

Of UNC, he says, “We’ve had a couple good conversations. We’ll see how it goes.”

Dec. 10, 2024: Contract details leak, an offer is made

Belichick, UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts and Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham are talking details, but need the approval of the university Board of Trustees. That board calls an emergency meeting, a signal that a deal is coming.

Dec. 11, 2024: UNC makes historic hire; Belichick signs on for 5 years

Although he has never coached at the college level, one the NFL’s greats agrees to come to Chapel Hill.

Within hours, Bill Belichick is at the podium in Chapel Hill calling it “a dream come true.”

Terms of Belichick’s 5-year, $50 million contract become public, including the fact that only the first three seasons are guaranteed, and that Belichick can walk away for just $1 million after June 1, 2025.

Dec. 14, 2024: Belichick makes basketball game appearance

In a Carolina Blue jacket and tie, Bill Belichick walks onto Roy Williams Court in the Smith Center at halftime of the men’s basketball team’s 93-67 win against La Salle.

The crowd roared in welcome ad Belichick was introduced as the head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels football team.

Source: wralsportsfan.com