The legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick obtained an unlikely assistance in his search for chief coach’s job in North Carolina.
The Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, was summoned by the former coach of the New England patriots who advocated the then Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina for the work in Chapel Hill, according to a ESPN report.
The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, offers a joint press conference with the President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, in the National Palace in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Thursday, February 6, 2025. (Photo AP/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)
“Rubio follows the world of sport quite closely, and he called me and said: ‘There is a possibility that Belichick comes to Chapel Hill,” Tillis told ESPN.
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“He said: ‘[Belichick] He wants a school with a great academic reputation, and wants to try to build a program to bring them a national championship. I said: ‘Well, let me go [make some calls]. ‘
According to the report, Tillis then called the North Carolina Senate leader, Phil Berger, who was initially incredulated until Tillis reassured him.
A source told ESPN that “the thrust to land Belichick began with everything politicians “.
The new North Carolina soccer coach, Bill Belichick, walks on the court of the Dean Smith center during the part of a University Basketball game of the NCAA between La Salle and North Carolina in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on Saturday, December 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)
Bill Belichick was not UNC’s first option as a football coach: report
A eight -time Super Bowl champion, Belichick left The NFL For a year before returning in December for unknown waters.
He entered the world of university football in a lucrative contract of five years and $ 50 million to train the Tar Heels. The agreement also included a purchase if any NFL team were called.
The 72 -year -old coach returned to the practice field this week, where he revealed to journalists on Wednesday that he is having fun.
Chief coach Bill Belichick, Tar Heels of North Carolina, poses with Atlético Bubba Cunningham director during a press conference on December 12, 2024 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
“That is the best of being a chief coach, I can train anyone who wants,” he said. “I can train the line, I can shout at the wing closed, I can shout at the DBS, I can shout at the kickers.
“I can go to any group that wants and train them. And honestly, that is the fun part.”
Belichick will make his debut in university football at home against TCU on September 1.
