UNC Announces Big Change to Bill Belichick’s College Football Debut

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Spencer Ostrow | Last updated Jan 23, 2025 4:37 PM ET

The North Carolina Tar Heels have entered a new era, hiring six-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick as their head coach just over a month ago.

Since joining the program, Belichick has hit the ground running by recruiting and putting together his coaching staff. On Thursday, the deal was finalized.

But that wasn’t the only big news out of Chapel Hill. North Carolina also announced a big change to its 2025 college football season opener, which will also serve as Belichick’s highly anticipated college coaching debut following 29 years as an NFL head coach.

North Carolina’s Week 1 home game against the TCU Horned Frogs, originally scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 30, has been officially rescheduled for Monday, Sep. 1.

"Sept. 1. All on Chapel Hill," the Tar Heels' social media team posted.

With the game now moved to Monday night at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, it ensures the game gets the attention it deserves. Had it remained on Saturday, it would have competed with several other games for viewers.

Sept. 1. All on Chapel Hill #GoHeels pic.twitter.com/pGKLFX236T
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) January 23, 2025

Belichick is taking over for Mack Brown, who led the Tar Heels for a combined 16 seasons across two separate stints with the program.

North Carolina finished 6-6 last season and made the decision to change direction, as the program has not won 10 games in a single season since 2015.

Belichick, 72, is under contract with North Carolina through the 2029 season. If he leaves before June 1, 2025, his buyout will be $10 million. After that date, it will drop to $1 million.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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