Bill Belichick’s highly anticipated debut as North Carolina’s head coach began with promise but ended in disappointment Monday night, as the Tar Heels suffered a blowout loss to TCU at Kenan Stadium. Belichick, 73, enters his first college role after winning six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots.
UNC opened with a crisp touchdown drive, but momentum quickly faded. TCU controlled the game, sending fans to the exits by the third quarter. Yesterday’s game saw UNC give away the most points in a season opener in the team’s long history.
Yesterday’s loss also saw the biggest spread of any game that Belichick has ever coached.
TCU DOMINATES UNC IN BILL BELICHICK'S DEBUT 😮
48 points is the most allowed by any Belichick-coached team ever. pic.twitter.com/eVPwoCaj6h
— ESPN (@espn) September 2, 2025
Pregame festivities drew thousands, including Michael Jordan, Lawrence Taylor, and ESPN’s crew with Nick Saban. Belichick wore his trademark hoodie, this time with “Carolina Football” in light blue.
Monday’s result underscored the steep challenge of rebuilding a long-struggling program, even under the leadership of an NFL legend.
