Bill Belichick details what his program would look like 'if' he became college football coach

On Monday morning, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is still in talks with North Carolina about becoming its next head football coach. During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show later that day, Belichick explained what his vision for the program would be if he took the job.

“If I was in a college program, the college program would be a pipeline to the NFL for the players that had the ability to play in the NFL,” Belichick said. “It would be a professional program — training, nutrition, scheme, coaching techniques — that would transfer to the NFL.

“It would be an NFL program at a college level and an education that would get the players ready for their career after football, whether that was the end of their college career or at the end of their pro career. But it would be geared toward developing the player, time management, discipline, structure and all that.

“I feel very confident that I have the contacts in the National Football League to pave the way for those players that would have the ability to have the opportunity to compete in the National Football League. Whether they’re good enough or not, I don’t know, but they would be ready for it. I don’t have any doubt about that.”

Belichick is gradually becoming one of North Carolina’s few remaining options. On Sunday, Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall reportedly told school officials he will not be pursuing another job this cycle.

Other early candidates such as former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith and Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell also appear unlikely to be interested in the job. According to Thamel, North Carolina has also reached out to Army head coach Jeff Monken.

Nonetheless, Bill Belichick remains interested in the position. ESPN’s Adam Schefter provided further details on the developing situation during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday.

“I understand he met with [North Carolina] yesterday for five hours,” Schefter said. “I don’t think you spend five hours after days of discussions with the university if there’s not something to it. Now, whether or not North Carolina can put together a package that’s attractive and compelling enough for a Bill, whether that’s ultimately what he decides to do, we’ll see.”

With the transfer portal officially open, North Carolina is on the clock to name its next head coach. Thamel said he expects Belichick and North Carolina to come to a resolution by the end of the week.