HBO’s “Hard Knocks” Won’t be Visiting UNC Afterall

Since 2001, NFL Films and HBO have produced the award-winning show “Hard Knocks” that documents a selected franchise coming through training camp and into the upcoming NFL season. Over half the teams have participated in the show over the years. Belichick’s New England Patriots were never on the show.

Last year HBO produced a version featuring the New York Giants during the offseason, but no NFL team elected to participate this year, causing HBO to turn to college football and North Carolina.

“Sources at UNC had spotted NFL Films employees in the facility in recent weeks, and there was excitement across the football program and university about the exposure Belichick’s team would receive from the series.”

“NFL Films had discussions with Coach Belichick and UNC about appearing on Hard Knocks this offseason but couldn’t reach an agreement,” a spokesperson for NFL Media said, via CBS. According to Jones, creative control was at the center of the sides being unable to reach an agreement on Hard Knocks

It is a shame we will not be able to see Belichick and the Tar Heels prepare for the 2025 season. It would have been interesting to see him transitioning from the NFL to college and relating to 18–23-year-old men on and off the field.