ACC Coach Predicts Bill Belichick Will Reach Conference Championship

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 6:11 PM ET

Bill Belichick has been the talk of the ACC since taking the job at North Carolina last December and many are eagerly awaiting his UNC debut — including his fellow coaches.

Speaking to reporters at the ACC Kickoff on Wednesday, Pittsburgh's Pat Narduzzi spoke on his expectations for the six-time Super Bowl champ in his first year and it sounds like they're pretty high.

"I'll be shocked if he doesn't have success," Narduzzi said. "I don't have a crystal ball. I'm no genius over here, but he's a heck of a football coach. But it takes players and it takes coaches. It takes a program together. It takes everybody moving in the same direction."

"I expect them to be in the championship game against Pitt this year. You got Bill Belichick, you better be, right?" the coach added.

Finding success in the ACC in Year 1 could be a challenge. But if anyone's up for it, it's Bill Belichick.

Sep 30, 2023; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi reacts before the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images© Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Despite all the noise surrounding his personal relationship with Jordon Hudson this offseason, the 73-year-old seems singularly focused on getting the Heels back to their winning ways on the football field.

North Carolina has a schedule that bodes pretty well for a potential College Football Playoff appearance now that its expanded to 12 teams. The Tar Heels face their first test with a home game vs. TCU on Sept. 1.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: