Bill Belichick says he’s staying at UNC, won’t pursue NFL return

Bill Belichick, head coach at the University of North Carolina, says he’s not aiming for an NFL comeback.

On social media Friday, Belichick addressed the possibility of becoming head coach of the New York Giants, who fired coach Brian Daboll on Monday. 

“I have great respect and genuinely care for the New York Giants organization and both the Mara and Tisch families. The New York Giants played an important role in my life and in my coaching journey. … However, despite circulating rumors, I have not and will not pursue any NFL head coaching vacancies,” Belichick said. 

Belichick was an assistant coach for the Giants from 1979 to 1990, helping them win two Super Bowls.

Unnamed sources told The Athletic’s NFL insider Dianna Russini that the Giants and Belichick haven’t communicated about the open position.

Belichick also posted that “since arriving in Chapel Hill, my commitment to the UNC Football program has not wavered. We have tremendous support from the university, our alumni, and the entire Carolina community. My focus remains solely on continuing to improve this team, develop our players, and build a program that makes Tar Heel fans proud. We’re on to Wake Forest.”

This is Belichick’s first season at Carolina after coaching from 2000 to 2023 for the New England Patriots, whom he led to six NFL titles with quarterback Tom Brady.

UNC stands at 4-5 and visits in-state rival Wake Forest, 6-3, on Saturday afternoon.