Bill Belichick 'will not pursue any NFL head coaching vacancies' amid Giants links

On Monday, the New York Giants fired head coach Brian Daboll. Fans quickly began to speculate North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick may be interested in the job opening. On Friday, Belichick reaffirmed his commitment to UNC.

“I have great respect and genuinely care for the New York Giants organization and both the Mara and Tisch families. The New York Giants played an important role in my life and in my coaching journey,” Belichick wrote. “It was a privilege for me to work for the Mara family and be a member of Coach Parcells’ staff for over a decade. However, despite circulating rumors, I have not and will not pursue any NFL head coaching vacancies.

“Since arriving in Chapel Hill, my commitment to the UNC Football program has not waivered. We have tremendous support from the university, our alumni, and the entire Carolina community. My focus remains solely on continuing to improve this team, develop our players, and build a program that makes Tar Heel fans proud. We’re on to Wake Forest.”

In December 2024, North Carolina hired Belichick. The 73-year-old won six Super Bowls as the New England Patriots’ head coach and two more as the New York Giants’ defensive coordinator. However, he’d never coached at the collegiate level prior to this season.

Hopes were sky-high for the three-time AP NFL Coach of the Year’s debut campaign in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels had a slow start, beginning the season with a 2-5 record. Alas, Belichick and Co. have been picking up steam in recent weeks.

The Tar Heels are on a two-game win streak, most recently defeating Stanford 20-15. In the win, North Carolina’s defense held Stanford to just 320 total yards of offense and forced two turnovers.

UNC will have a chance to build on its momentum this weekend as it squares off against Wake Forest. Bill Belichick is excited for the opportunity.

“They’re a very physically taxing team. So a big challenge for us out there,” Belichick said. “Back in the state, so we know that that intensity is going to be high for this game, as it should be. And (we) look forward to it.

“… When you’re playing at this level, it’s important to win in the state. We know what it’s going to be, they’re a good football team, no matter where they’re located. But we know it’s an in-state game, and it’s going to be tough and it’s in their place. I’m sure there’ll be a lot of energy in the stadium.”