The Big Lead

Bill Belichick is bringing a Patriots tradition to North Carolina

In the eyes of the legendary coach, every player has to earn their way with the Tar Heels.

By Matt Reed

Dec 14, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head football coach Bill Belichick with recruit quarterback Bryce Baker during half time at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Dec 14, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head football coach Bill Belichick with recruit quarterback Bryce Baker during half time at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
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Bill Belichick has certainly changed in many ways since leaving the New England Patriots, including showing a softer and more laid back side of himself. However, he's still the same coach he was during the times where he was hoisted Lombardis with New England deep down.

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Belichick is bringing one important Pats tradition with him to Chapel Hill though, which relates back to his philosophy of making every player earn their way into his team.

"Numbers and what color gloves we wear and all that isn't as important as doing your job and being responsible and accountable to your teammates," Belichick told his players.

All North Carolina players are currently practicing with blank jerseys, which is something he started with New England decades ago as a way of ensuring that players wouldn't feel like they were bigger than the team.

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