Hard Knocks Won’t Feature Patriots Legend Bill Belichick

Jones goes on to report that both the team and NFL Films were wrestling for creative control of the series, leading to a breakdown in contract negotiations. When the news was announced, many speculated that HBO and NFL Films could not find a pro team to feature on the show, which spelled disastrous results for the New York Giants, who went 3-14 after they were featured last summer.

This is Belichick's first season coaching UNC, and his first coaching in the NCAA. He is, of course, known for the 24 seasons and six Super Bowl championship rings he earned as head coach of the Patriots. Belichick is also the most successful coach in Patriots history, with a record of 266–121 in his seasons coaching. After a brief retirement and a season spent in and out of ESPN's The Pat McAfee Show, Belichick signed with UNC at the beginning of this year.

While many in the NFL were calling for Belichick to renege on his deal with North Carolina, including his former star signal caller and minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders Tom Brady, Belichick has been firm about his commitment to the Tar Heels.

While Belichick and his new team won't be featured on Hard Knocks, there's clearly a lot going on behind the scenes in Chapel Hill. UNC announced the full coaching line up for the first season of their Belichick era on Monday.

Most notably is the addition of two familiar faces: Belichick's sons Steve and Brian. While Steve is coming from a year as the Washington Commanders' defensive coordinator, Brian Belichick departed the Patriots at the end of January after five years as safeties and defensive backs coach. As part of UNC coaching staff the pair will work in the same roles — though we won't see them on HBO in the fall.