Bill Belichick Skips Fenway Bowl as New UNC Coach, Focuses on Building the Future

The Tar Heels of UNC are entering a new era under legendary coach Bill Belichick, but the Hall of Famer won't be attending their final game of the 2024 season. Belichick, who recently took over as head coach of the program, has decided to skip the Fenway Bowl to avoid becoming a distraction for the team.

On Saturday morning, the Tar Heels (6-6) will face off against UConn (8-4) at Fenway Park in Boston. Even though Belichick won’t be at the game, his presence and influence have already begun shaping the team’s future.

A New Chapter for the Tar Heels

The hiring of Bill Belichick has brought significant buzz and excitement to the UNC football program. Athletic director Bubba Cunningham told ESPN, "People are excited about the future. College sports are changing, and having someone like Bill with his professional background is exactly what we need. This is where the sport is heading."

Belichick is already hard at work with former NFL executive Mike Lombardi to rebuild UNC’s roster. Since his announcement as head coach, the two have been focusing entirely on creating a strong foundation for next season.

“He’s totally dialed into building the roster,” Cunningham explained. “He didn’t want to go to practice or the game because he didn’t want to distract the players or coaches. His priority right now is making sure the team is ready for the future.”

Winning Over Players

Belichick’s impact can already be seen in the decisions of key players. One standout example is UNC linebacker Amare Campbell, who briefly entered the transfer portal but decided to stay after a conversation with Belichick.

Campbell, who recorded 72 tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss (TFLs) this season, explained why he chose to remain a Tar Heel. “I knew how he would develop me and help us compete at a high level,” Campbell said.

Reflecting on his call with the coach, Campbell shared, “You know how he is, he’s monotone, like a robot. He just said, ‘We’re going to compete, we’re going to get better, and we’re going to work every day.’ That’s been my mindset since I was growing up, so I can really get behind that.”

Campbell’s decision to stay is a big win for UNC, as he was being pursued by major programs like SMU, Colorado, and Michigan. The trust Belichick has already built with players like Campbell is a promising sign for the team’s future.

The Interim Team Steps In

While Belichick works behind the scenes, interim coach Freddie Kitchens, who will join Belichick’s staff next season, is leading the Tar Heels through the bowl game. On Friday, during the Fenway Bowl media day, Kitchens emphasized the importance of focusing on the present.

“We’ve been talking about staying locked into the game and being where your feet are,” Kitchens said. He added that while he speaks with Belichick every day, the head coach won’t have any input into Saturday’s matchup.

The Fenway Bowl is a pivotal moment for UNC, as the team aims to avoid its first losing season since 2021. Meanwhile, UConn is chasing history, hoping to secure its first nine-win season since 2007.

Challenges for Belichick in College Football

Although Belichick is one of the greatest minds in football, his transition to college coaching comes with challenges. Unlike the NFL, college players require a more personal approach. Jim Mora, UConn’s head coach and a former NFL coach himself, believes Belichick is up to the task.

“If he just taps into the fatherly side of himself, he’ll do great,” Mora said. “He’s a professional, incredibly bright, and he’ll adapt just fine. Football is football, and he’s a master of that.”

Mora also noted that having Belichick’s son, Steve, as the defensive coordinator will help create a family-like atmosphere in the program. “I have a feeling he’s going to fall in love with college football like I did,” Mora added.

Looking Ahead

As Belichick skips the Fenway Bowl to focus on building a strong roster for the spring and beyond, excitement continues to build around the program. His presence has already inspired confidence among players, staff, and fans alike.

While the immediate focus is on Saturday’s game, the long-term goal for UNC is clear: turning the Tar Heels into a powerhouse program under the leadership of one of football’s most iconic coaches.

For now, the players and coaches remain focused on finishing the season strong, knowing that bigger changes are on the horizon. With Bill Belichick at the helm, the future looks bright for UNC football.