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Rival Quarterback Has Warning for Bill Belichick Amid North Carolina Rumors

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andrew McCarty | Last updated Dec 11, 2024 3:23 PM ET

While nothing is official just yet, it certainly sounds like Bill Belichick will be the next head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Several North Carolina sites reported the deal is already done, but ESPN's Pete Thamel poured some lukewarm water on the rumors. As of Wednesday afternoon, Thamel says the two sides are "working to close a deal with Bill Belichick to make the six-time Super Bowl champion the Tar Heels' coach," but that "there are still issues that both sides need to work through."

The ESPN insider described the situation as the "ball is in Belichick's court" with North Carolina officials on board with hiring the longtime New England Patriots coach.

While the deal isn't official just yet, that didn't stop reporters from asking NC State quarterback CJ Bailey what he thinks about potentially playing against the longtime NFL coach.

Bailey didn't hold back.

NC State QB CJ Bailey on the potential hiring of Bill Belichick as the next UNC head coach:

“Bill Belichick can get it, too. … No matter who the coach is for UNC, we’re gonna kick them.”

: https://t.co/67vMF5Q7dN pic.twitter.com/FJWyc9mKmu
— Cory Smith (@RCorySmith) December 11, 2024

"Bill Belichick can get it, too," Bailey told reporters on Wednesday. "No matter who the coach is for UNC, we’re gonna kick them."

When asked about what it would mean to have the opportunity to play against someone of Belichick's stature, the quarterback paid respect to the legendary coach.

"It means a lot that I could play against Bill Belichick, you know, meet him. But, um, shoot, if he comes to play we're gonna kill him. We're gonna kill him."

Bailey played one of his best games of the season against the Tar Heels in the final week of the regular season. He completed 14-of-20 passing for 242 yards with two touchdowns and just one interception while adding another 54 yards on the ground en route to a 35-30 win over the Tar Heels.

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

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