Bill Belichick gives six-word response to question on possible NFL return
Bill Belichick made it clear that his future belongs with the Tar Heels after taking the head coaching job at the University of North Carolina.
After a legendary head coaching career in the NFL that spanned 24 seasons, Belichick parted ways with the New England Patriots after last season and failed to land a job in the pros.
Despite signing up for different roles in the sports media space, Belichick eventually found his way back to the sidelines as he headed to Chapel Hill.
During his introductory press conference on Thursday, Belichick was asked about a potential return to the NFL. In response, Belichick claimed that his NCAA tenure is not a pitstop on his return to the pros.
'I didn't come here to leave,' the six-time Super Bowl champion responded. While elaborating on how involved he plans to be in the college system, Belichick expressed his excitement about his new gig.
'I am excited for the opportunity at UNC-Chapel Hill,' he declared. 'I grew up around college football with my dad and treasured those times.
Bill Belichick claimed that he did not take the job at UNC 'to leave' at a press conference
The six-time Super Bowl champion is taking over the Tar Heels after singing a five-year deal
'I have always wanted to coach in college and now, I look forward to building the football program at Chapel Hill,' he added.
Belichick's father, Stephen Nickolas Belichick, had a long career as a college coach across four different programs. After serving as the head coach at Hiram College, Stephen became a backfield coach for Vanderbilt then UNC, and went on to play the same role and add scouting duties for the Navy.
On Wednesday, ESPN reported that the legendary NFL coach is finalizing a deal to take over the Chapel Hill clipboard next season.
The move provides a shot of adrenaline for the Tar Heels fanbase and program, which, despite their excellence in basketball, has gone 49-51 in football over the last eight years.
Adam Schefter broke the news of Belichick's hiring on Wednesday, closing UNC's coaching search after reports of his initial interview surfaced earlier this week.
Belichick succeeds recently fired Mack Brown, who was relieved of his duties after six years in charge of the team.
'I believe we're gonna run a good program and have a good team,' Belichick added. 'I'm not great at predictions, I'm just saying I'm gonna come here and do the best I can with a great school.'
Belichick and the university agreed to a five-year deal worth $50million, making him one of the highest-paid college coaches on an annual salary basis. His pay is also a massive jump from the $5m salary UNC paid Brown in his final season in charge of the program.