North Carolina’s head coach Bill Belichick, a strong candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, has made headlines with the recent firing of offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens, a notable former NFL head coach. Belichick is now in the process of considering two past NFL coaches for the position: Chip Kelly and Bobby Petrino.
Chip Kelly, who was let go last month as offensive coordinator for the Raiders, has prior coaching experience with the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers. On the other hand, Bobby Petrino, who had a brief stint as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons in 2007, famously departed in the middle of his inaugural season to take the role at Arkansas.
As the speculation on Belichick’s future continues, questions linger about the possibility of his return to the NFL. With a relatively low buyout of only $1 million, it could be feasible for him to leave Chapel Hill. However, the greater challenge may lie in finding an NFL owner willing to bring him on board.
Historical context plays a role in this situation, as Belichick only secured one interview after his tenure ended with the Patriots. He accepted the North Carolina position in December 2024 when it became apparent that there were no immediate opportunities in the NFL that would yield a guarantee of employment.
Since that time, the NFL landscape has evolved significantly, although it remains uncertain whether these changes will enhance Belichick’s appeal compared to the hiring cycle of 2024 and 2025. The upcoming decisions in Chapel Hill and potential interest from the NFL may reshape the narrative surrounding Belichick’s storied career in football.