Comparing North Carolina's Michael Malone and Bill Belichick hires

North Carolina backslid in its first season under Belichick, going 4-8. The Tar Heels went 6-7 in 2024 under HC Mack Brown, whom they fired before their bowl game.

To further North Carolina's embarrassment, the program generated headlines for a toxic locker room and 73-year-old Belichick's relationship with 25-year-old girlfriend Jordon Hudson. That included an awkward CBS News interview with the couple 

Will Michael Malone's tenure be just as chaotic? 

Like Belichick, Malone spent a year as a media member to improve his coaching image. That said, it was already much better than Belichick's, who likes to bend the rules, one key reason Pro Football Hall of Fame voters snubbed him in January.

Unlike the Patriots — who went 4-13 in their final season under Belichick in 2023 — the Nuggets weren't collapsing when they canned Malone in 2025. Denver was 47-32 before it moved on from the coach. 

But Malone preferred playing veterans over younger players, which reportedly contributed to Denver's decision. The 54-year-old coach must exercise more patience with college players to succeed in Chapel Hill. 

With that in mind, Malone's tenure shouldn't be as calamitous as that of Belichick. However, if he fails to restore North Carolina as a national powerhouse, that would prove some coaches shouldn't return to school, even if they have missed campus life.