Bill Belichick Takes Defensive Play-Calling Duties for UNC Amid Son’s Medical Leave

On August 6, UNC announced that defensive coordinator Steve Belichick was placed on indefinite medical leave, providing no timeline for his return. With the Tar Heels preparing to open the 2026 season in Dublin, Ireland, head coach Bill Belichick assumed responsibility for defensive play-calling. He will work alongside defensive-line coach Bob Diaco, who has been leading the collective game-plan preparation. The season-opening matchup against the TCU Horned Frogs is scheduled for August 29.

Bleacher ReportNewsweekHeavyBill Belichick to call defensive plays for UNC in Week 0, per report CBS SportsUS Weekly

Bill Belichick entered college coaching after a 24-year tenure as head coach of the New England Patriots and earlier stints as defensive coordinator for the New York Giants, New York Jets and Cleveland Browns. He became UNC’s head coach for the 2025 season, guiding the team to a 4-8 record. Steve Belichick, a former Patriots defensive assistant, joined his father at UNC in December 2024 after a season as defensive coordinator for the Washington Huskies. In 2025, Steve’s defense ranked 66th nationally in points allowed (24.5 ppg) but improved to 38th in yards allowed (336.9 ypg).

NewsweekBleacher ReportCBS SportsHeavyUS WeeklyBill Belichick to call defensive plays for UNC in Week 0, per report

• 2025 UNC defense: 24.5 points per game (66th nationally); 336.9 yards per game (38th nationally).

CBS Sports

• Pass defense: 211.2 yards per game, just outside the top 50.

CBS Sports

• Patriots 2019 (last full-time NFL play-calling by Bill): 275.0 total yards allowed per game (1st), 180.4 passing yards (2nd), 95.5 rushing yards (6th), 14.1 points per game (1st).

CBS Sports

These figures illustrate the defensive baseline the Belichicks inherit as they face a TCU offense that has undergone coaching changes and now features quarterback Jaden Craig.

Fayetteville Observer

Bill Belichick declined to elaborate on his son’s condition, stating he would not discuss the situation and that the staff would “work it out.” He added that the defense would be coached collectively by the staff.

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• “I'm not really gonna talk about that situation,” — Steve Belichick, of head coach

CBS Sports

• “Look for Bill Belichick to be the play-caller, I’ve been told, for UNC going up against [TCU offensive coordinator] Gordon Sammis today,” — Pete Thamel

Bill Belichick to call defensive plays for UNC in Week 0, per report

• “Yeah, I think everyone has to step up a little bit,” — Derek McDonald

Sports Illustrated

• “Can everyone pump the brakes on trying to dunk on Coach Belichick?” — Dan Orlovsky

Dan Orlovsky offers rare defense of Bill Belichick, UNC football

UNC’s defensive unit will debut under Bill Belichick’s play-calling in the Week 0 “Aer Lingus College Football Classic” on August 29 in Dublin. No further scheduled staff adjustments have been announced.

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