Bill Belichick details benefits he sees in overseas games from his NFL experience

Bill Belichick believes having the opportunity to play a game overseas will benefit North Carolina football in many ways. It was announced this past week that the Tar Heels will open the 2026 season in Dublin, Ireland against TCU.

That will mark the first time in program history that UNC has played a football game abroad. It will also be the fifth straight season that a college football game has been played in Ireland to open the season. This year, Iowa State and Kansas State are set to play in Dublin on Aug. 23.

Belichick is no stranger to international games, having been a part of a few during his time in the NFL as the coach of the New England Patriots. Speaking in a press conference announcing the Tar Heels’ game, he offered his perspective on the positive impact it can have on the team.

“It’s just a unique and great opportunity from a football standpoint,” he said. “You have a new environment and that change always brings a little bit higher focus, a little bit higher detail and certainly extensive planning. But for the student athletes and for all of us, it’s just a great experience. The fans and the environment and the newness of it are just unique.”

Bill Belichick was part of four games played internationally as the coach of the Patriots from 2000-23. New England played twice in London, once in Mexico and once in Germany during his tenure.

In addition to the football aspect and preparation that he already mentioned, Belichick also believes the chance to take in a new culture is invaluable. It’s also an opportunity to create a stronger bond with your teammates or coaching staff.

“Those games stand out so specially to me,” Belichick continued. “There just wasn’t another one like the one in Mexico or the two we had in London. Toronto even. They were just different. It’s not like playing in the other stadiums that we played in. I don’t know if you put a price tag on it. …And you remember the things you did in those places with your teammates or the other people that were on the trip. I think that always kind of bonds you a little bit tighter with the people you experienced them with.”

Belichick is set to enter his first season as the North Carolina coach this year, taking over for a team that went 6-7 in 2024. He’s already working on installing his new culture and this trip is just another part of how his NFL experience is influencing his philosophy in college.