During ESPN’s “College GameDay,” the topic of Bill Belichick’s future at North Carolina arose on Saturday, focusing on the challenging start to his tenure in Chapel Hill. It appears Belichick made contact with Kirk Herbstreit via phone.
Herbstreit defended Belichick, asserting his commitment to UNC despite the 2-3 record and surrounding controversies. He even displayed his phone to his “GameDay” colleagues.
“I believe it’s vital to grasp,” Herbstreit stated, turning his phone toward Nick Saban and Pat McAfee, “that he’s entirely invested in the team and the program. The possibility of him departing…”
Herbstreit chuckled and gestured towards his phone, which he then set down.
McAfee interjected: “Pick it up.”
“I can’t,” Herbstreit replied.
McAfee insisted: “Take the call! He’s definitely watching. It’s literally Bill Belichick calling Kirk Herbstreit. He probably wants to communicate something.”
Herbstreit conceded, “Indeed. It is likely.”
This peculiar scene unfolded live in Eugene, Oregon, where the “College GameDay” team was broadcasting, previewing the top-10 showdown between No. 3 Oregon and No. 7 Indiana.
The discussion about Belichick wasn’t disrupted. He had released a concise statement on Wednesday, reiterating his dedication to UNC football and, as he put it, “the project underway.”
UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham issued a similarly brief statement in support of Belichick.
“Coach Belichick has the complete backing of the Athletics Department and the University,” Cunningham affirmed.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported on Saturday that these statements “suggest a short-term commitment from both parties.”
“Based on conversations with industry sources, the fact that statements were needed only five games into the Belichick era signals that this marks a pivotal moment for both Bill Belichick and North Carolina,” Thamel noted. “While no immediate action is expected with Bill Belichick and North Carolina, sources suggest that this season’s end will bring a critical decision point. Either significant changes are implemented at North Carolina—concerning the roster, staff, or front office; despite adding 70 new players, things haven’t clicked—or Bill Belichick will consider an exit at the year’s end.”
Thamel further commented: “Bill Belichick and [UNC general manager] Mike Lombardi have expressed commitment to a rebuild, acknowledging that it won’t be instant. The coming weeks will be telling. The current situation is undeniably challenging.”
UNC holds a 0-3 record against major conference teams this year, having suffered a combined -87 point differential in those defeats, a glaring performance.
Their three losses by 25 points or more tie for the most among FBS teams this season, underscoring their struggles.
Belichick, aged 73, is the most senior head coach in college football. His significantly changed roster and NFL-experienced staff haven’t yet delivered a quick turnaround in the ACC, despite the potential for rapid success in today’s college football landscape. Indiana, one of the teams GameDay previewed on Saturday, demonstrates this possibility. In Curt Cignetti’s initial year, he propelled the Hoosiers from a struggling Big Ten team to a potential College Football Playoff contender.
“Effective coaches enable their players to perform at a high level,” Saban commented on Saturday. “It’s their responsibility to enable athletes with the skills they need within the program. When players have been properly nurtured, it allows for assessment of their true capabilities.”
Although McAfee, like some other panelists, defended Belichick at various points during the segment, he did pose a pertinent question to Saban towards its conclusion.
“Coach, what happens if you’re patient with the wrong individuals, or allocate resources improperly?” McAfee inquired.
Saban responded with another memorable line: “You’re in trouble.”
