UNC coaching search: ESPN insider offers update on candidates after Bill Belichick interview

North Carolina decided to move on from Mack Brown and with its 2024 regular season now over, the coaching search has begun. A surprising name reportedly interviewed for the job — legendary NFL head coach Bill Belichick. Multiple outlets, most recently ESPN, have said Belichick wants to get back into coaching and has interest in the college game.

ESPN’s Chris Low has provided an update on other candidates in the running. A person expected to speak with Carolina following Friday’s AAC Championship game is Tulane‘s Jon Sumrall. He is considered one of the hottest names on the coaching market.

“Tulane’s Jon Sumrall is also at or near the top of North Carolina’s list and is expected to talk formally with school officials after the Green Wave’s AAC Championship Game against Army on Friday,” Low said.

Three other names were provided by Low as North Carolina’s search goes on. Two of them will be in action on Saturday in conference championship games.

Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell and Georgia defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann are in the running per Low. Campbell would be leaving another power conference gig to join the Tar Heels, while Schumann has never been a head coach in his career.

Both are still alive for the College Football Playoff and could see their seasons extend late into December, maybe even well into January.

Finally, another NFL name is former Carolina Panthers interim head coach Steve Wilks. Charlotte brought Wilks into the program this season to be a volunteer advisor after being the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator in 2023. Some college experience is there early in his career as well.

North Carolina is awaiting which bowl game they will play in. Freddie Kitchens will be the interim coach and see the Tar Heels through the finish line. Currently having a 6-6 record following an in-state rivalry loss to NC State, a bowl win would put UNC above .500 for the third consecutive season.