Bill Belichick Q&A: Virginia Game Week Presser
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — After Friday’s late-night loss at California, North Carolina (2-4, 0-2 ACC) continues on with ACC play and hosts No.1 6 Virginia (6-1, 3-0 ACC) on Saturday at Kenan Stadium (Noon, ACCN). The Tar Heels still are in search of their first win over a power-conference opponent under coach Bill Belichick.
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Here are the key points from Belichick’s weekly availability with the media on Tuesday inside the Kenan Football Center. And see below for the full video …
Opening Statement
“First, I want to recognize and give our condolences to Ricky Lanier and his family. I’ve had a lot of history with him. … Moving on to Virginia, this has really been an impressive string that they’re on. They’ve won a couple of close games in overtime, a close game against Washington State. Played really well in some critical situations in games, and that’s been the difference for them. Coach (Tony) Elliot’s done an excellent job with the program. Certainly some similarities to the Clemson system that he’s from his time there, that he’s brought to Virginia. But they developed that into their own Virginia package. I’m not saying it’s Clemson, but there are some elements of the Clemson system, especially offensively.
“Kind of a rivalry game here with the history of UNC and Virginia. It’s a great traditional rivalry. And so we’re excited for the preparation of the game, and look forward to getting on the field today and starting work on them. But it’s a good football team that’s really capitalized on a lot of opportunities, and won a lot of close games.”
Though there are no moral victories, did the mood around the team after Friday’s result feel different than it did after Clemson or UCF?
“No, not really. Disappointed in the results, but these guys, we all bounce back quickly once it’s over. Whether it was the wins against Charlotte and Richmond or a loss, it’s after 24 hours, that game’s in the books, and we’re done with the corrections and so forth, and we’re on to our next challenge. So that’s kind of way it’s been every week, and I think that’s what it’ll be going forward. It’s always a good move when you win right after the game, but as soon as you get on to that next team, you’re starting all over again. So that’s where we are.”
There was a recent article that mentioned Chandler Morris wanted to come to UNC, but your staff passed on him. Given the success he’s had at Virginia this season, can you reflect on the learning curve associated with evaluating quarterbacks in the transfer portal?
“Yeah, I don’t really know what the source on that was. We didn’t have any contact with Chandler Morris. We spoke to his agent. I don’t really know what the source of that was. His agent didn’t know anything about it. We didn’t know anything about it. Just making up stories. I don’t know where that came from.”
Gio Lopez said after the game that he feels the healthiest since the car accident he was in during the preseason. Have you noticed any differences with him?
“I think that’s kind of an internal thing with him. I would say from the outside, he was a pretty tough kid. Whatever aches he had, he wasn’t showing them. He’s a tough kid, played through them and didn’t complain about them. So it’s always good to hear, players saying that they feel good and they’re healthy. But I’d say he competed well for all the time he’s been here and been out on the field, and the fact that he personally feels better is a good thing. But I’d say he played through whatever he had pretty well.”
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Off the field, you’ve published a book, there was a potential docuseries and Mike Lombardi went to Saudi Arabia. Do you think some of that stuff has been a detriment to building the program you want to build? If you could go back, would you maybe eliminate some of those?
“Well, most of what you’re talking about are things that happened last year, before I even got here. But I would say the things I did in New England in terms of weekly appearances, media, TV shows, radio shows and other things, were honestly a lot more than what they are here. So I’ve been able to dedicate a lot more time to watching film, to coaching the players, to being with the players you know, to being in meetings and actually coaching on the field. Because I’m better informed, better prepared, which I’ve really enjoyed that part of it. So most of the things you’re talking about, like the book, for example, all that really happened before I even got here.”
What was your involvement in Lombardi’s trip to Saudi Arabia? Was it your decision or the university’s to terminate or pause the documentary?
“Yeah, it’s (the docuseries) paused. It’s not terminated. And the university related a statement on Saudi Arabia. So I don’t have anything to add to that.”
Do you have an update on coach Armond Hawkins?
“Yeah, he’s back. The university cleared him. They went through their process with him and he’s back.”
Do you think you’ve done enough education and educating everybody about all the rules and NCAA regulations in college football?
“Yes, we’ve all gone through the compliance courses, whether it be in recruiting practices, time management, the hourly requirements and so forth. I would say if anything, I feel like maybe we spent too much time on it, to be honest with you. We’ve gone over and over and over to make sure that we have it right, and every time we check it, ‘hey, just want to triple check and make sure we’re okay on this.’ Yes, yes. Right now we’re still making sure that we’re trying to do every single thing right. I think that’s the right thing to do. Did something come up or will something come up? I mean, I’m sure it probably will, it does in every program. But we’re certainly not trying to, in any way, not take advantage of our compliance people and the people who have more experience with some of the subtler rules or restrictions.”