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North Carolina alum seeking 'Chapel Bill' trademark in wake of Tar Heels hiring Bill Belichick as football coach

On3 imageby:Andrew Graham12/12/24

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NCAA Football: North Carolina-Bill Belichick Press Conference
Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The biggest stunner of the 2024 college football coaching cycle might be in the bag, with North Carolina reeling in legendary NFL head coach Bill Belichick to lead the Tar Heels. And the marketing wheels are already in motion.

That includes one alum who is trying to strike while the iron is hot. Anthony Proscia, a 2000 graduate of North Carolina, has filed trademark paperwork on the phrase “Chapel Bill,” according to TMZ. While the trademark process is not merely a first come, first served proposition, it’s certainly a shrewd move.

With the news becoming apparent on Wednesday night, Proscia moved. And the Tar Heels are already starting to use the phrase, a play on the name of the town where UNC is located: Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Speaking to TMZ, Proscia said he intends to use the trademark, if awarded, for apparel and other merchandise. And he indicated he would be open to letting the school or Belichick have the trademark or license apparel under it.

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During his introductory press conference on Thursday, Belichick said he intends to be with the Tar Heels for the foreseeable future.

Belichick addressed the thought that he’d leave North Carolina for the NFL if possible during his introductory press conference with the Tar Heels on Thursday. He quieted that quickly with a short response on that.

“Yeah, I didn’t come here to leave,” Belichick said.

Again, it’s a legitimate thought considering all things with Belichick. He has never before been a college coach of any kind while he spent nearly a half century coaching in the National Football League. Even after the end of his 24-year tenure with the New England Patriots, Belichick has remained a possible candidate for jobs in the league for the last year. That’s what comes with being still interested in coaching as someone with a resumé that has 467 wins and six wins in the Super Bowl while in the NFL.

Even so, Chapel Hill is where Belichick will be coaching for the foreseeable future with him signed on a five-year deal as the next head coach of North Carolina.