Paul Finebaum Gives Prediction For Bill Belichick's First Season at North Carolina

"I think Bill Belichick has the potential to be good," Finebaum said. "Part of the reason that I say that, I don't think the schedule is that difficult. I think he can get to seven or eight wins, which would be a good start."

Belichick has taken over as the head coach of the Tar Heels, replacing Mack Brown. Finebaum noted that with Belichick at the helm instead of Brown, there will be a greater intensity placed on him and the program. 

Finebaum expressed his admiration for Brown but stated that Brown's last few years as head coach were "abysmal," which ultimately led to their parting ways. He argued that Brown probably should have been let go a couple of years ago rather than just last season.

According to ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI), the Tar Heels are projected to win about seven games, with a win prediction set at 6.7. The FPI also predicts North Carolina will finish No. 9 in the ACC.

Supporting Finebaum's argument, Kyle Wood from Athlon Sports highlighted that the Tar Heels have the third-easiest schedule in the ACC. Wood noted that all but one of North Carolina's most challenging games, against TCU, Clemson, Syracuse, and Duke, will be played at home. 

Additionally, the Tar Heels only leave the state three times during the year, with two of those games against teams that finished near the bottom of their respective conferences, California and UCF.

Only time will tell if Belichick can improve the team and lead them to a bowl game in his first season in Chapel Hill.