North Carolina coaching search: Adam Schefter explains likelihood of Bill Belichick hire, timeline for decision

North Carolina’s coaching search has become the talk of college football after the school interviewed Bill Belichick. As the process rolls along, ESPN’s Adam Schefter had an update on where things stand and the likelihood the NFL legend jumps to college.

Schefter said the two sides continue to talk, but a deal wasn’t close as of Sunday morning. The sense is UNC wants a coach in place when the transfer portal opens Monday, and it’s not looking likely Belichick ends up being the choice.

However, the fact Belichick is even engaging with North Carolina shows his interest in coaching in 2025. Schefter also pointed out the way he views the college game – with NIL and the transfer portal changing the landscape – impact the way he views coaching at that level.

“There are ongoing conversations between Bill and the school,” Schefter said on Sunday NFL Countdown. “They have not been able to come close to a deal, from what I’ve heard so far. I think it’s unlikely that he winds up ultimately as the head coach at North Carolina, but the two sides have been talking. They’ve been going back-and-forth, and I think the one thing that we can draw from this is that Bill Belichick wants to coach – whether it’s in the NFL or whether it’s in college.

“I know there are college coaches who are fleeing to go to the NFL. I think Bill doesn’t look at the world the same way that everyone else [does]. He looks at the college world as a business model now, that is run a little bit like the NFL. And he has no problem if the right job is at the college level, he would take it. There have been conversations. They’re continuing to go on. North Carolina wants a coach by tomorrow because the transfer portal opens. I don’t know if it’s gonna be Bill, though. … We don’t think it’s gonna happen.”

Reports indicated Belichick has “genuine” interest in the North Carolina job as the program works to replace Mack Brown. His credentials speak for themselves. He has eight Super Bowl rings, including six with the New England Patriots alongside Tom Brady, and is considered arguably the greatest coach in NFL history. During his career as a head coach with the Patriots and Cleveland Browns, Belichick has a 302-165 record.

However, Belichick has never coached at the college level. It appears he’s open to that idea as he tries to get back in the game.