- Head Coach: Bill Belichick (first season)
- 2024 Record: 6-7 (lost Fenway Bowl)
- Strength of Schedule: 60th
- PFF Projected Win Total: 6.6
- FanDuel Win Total: 7.5
2024 Recap
Following a 17-10 record in the two years with Drake Maye as its quarterback, North Carolina struggled in his absence with just a 6-7 mark this past season. The Tar Heels were forced to start three different quarterbacks last year, which led to their 102nd ranking in team PFF passing grade. Legendary coach Mack Brown was fired before the Fenway Bowl, and North Carolina replaced him with an even bigger legend in Bill Belichick.
The six-time Super Bowl champion is widely regarded as the greatest coach in NFL history and will now be coaching in the college ranks for the first time in his career. He and the Tar Heels were busy in the transfer portal, adding 13 projected starters, including a new quarterback in Gio Lopez.
Biggest Strength: The greatest coach in football history on the sidelines
On the field, North Carolina has some really solid units, such as its linebackers and offensive line. But the Tar Heels’ greatest strength is the fact that they now have the greatest coach in NFL history holding the clipboard. Belichick won a record six Super Bowls during his time with the New England Patriots, and his 333 total victories are the second most all-time. It remains to be seen how he’ll translate to the college game, but it was more than a worthy gamble by North Carolina.
Biggest Weakness: Skill-position players
North Carolina must replace a first-round running back in Omarion Hampton, who was both its leading rusher and third-leading receiver. The Tar Heels’ top two pass catchers, J.J. Jones and John Copenhaver, are also no longer with the program. All of North Carolina’s replacements seem to be in-house, too, aside from Aziah Johnson, who recorded only 276 receiving yards at Michigan State last season.
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