The North Carolina Tar Heels are ready for an exciting new era of football alongside Bill Belichick, the first college season of his illustrious career.
However, the new report says eight-time Super Bowl champion Belichick, who has six of them come as head coaches for New England Patriots, but not UNC's first choice.
ESPN reports that Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith wanted the Tar Heels to tap as a man to take over the program.
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Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith watches the second half of the fourth quarter of his game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Mike Christy/Getty Images)
However, Smith chose to stay in the NFL. There was a stint that failed as the Atlanta Falcons head coach. The Tar Heels then went to Belichick, and this move shocked the entire football world when he accepted the job.
“Smith is intrigued and he is considered a consensus candidate for the UNC, with support from (UNC Prime Minister Lee) Roberts and the officers,” the ESPN report read.
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Smith's coaching career doesn't have a candle in Belichick's career, but he has a history of tar heels.
Smith played for UNC from 2001 to 2005, and after the play day ended, he became a graduate assistant in 2006.
Smith admitted that when Mac Brown's firing came in November, the Tar Heels gave him a “backup call.” However, he focused on the Steelers, who ultimately made the playoffs as a wild card team.
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith will be warmed up before Pittsburgh Steelers No. 2 Justin Fields faces the Atlanta Falcons on September 8, 2024 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Smith ultimately won his coaching career in the NFL, passing through the ranks until Tennessee Titan gave him a shot as offensive coordinator. His success under Mike Vrabel led to him being slapped by the Falcons to take on the role of their head coach.
However, the time between 2021 and 2023 did not go well. One main issue is the proper use of dynamic running back Bidjan Robinson, the team's first round pick in 2023. Tyler Arguier consistently took the carry from Robinson, but the latter finished 214 for 976 yards and scored four touchdowns.
Smith's first season in Pittsburgh as offensive coordinator led to a mid-season finish for the puck with 22.4 points per game (16th place). The team also came in 23rd in total yards earned per game (319.4).
Meanwhile, Belichick spent the year outside of coaching, rather than appearing on ESPN's “The Pat McAfee Show” weekly to join the sports media space.
Bilbericchick, the new head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, speaks to the media at the Loudermilk Center for Excellence. (Imaginary of Jim Dedmon-Immagn)
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However, Belichick's negotiations with UNC led to a five-year, $50 million deal. This includes acquisitions in the event of calls made by NFL teams.
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