Speculation starting up that UNC could land Bill Belichick AND Nick Saban?

The reports of UNC firing Mack Brown seemed strange. Why would the Heels Athletic Department disrespect a future Hall of Fame coach that gave them a total of 16 years over his career? Why not allow him to go out on his own terms?

Well, maybe it was because there was a window for them to land another future hall of famer, only this time an NFL Hall of Fame coach, Bill Belichick.

Reports ran wild a couple of days ago, confirming that UNC was in fact in discussions with Belichick about their head coaching position.

72-year-old Bill Belichick has interviewed with the University of North Carolina regarding its head coaching vacancy, per @GrantHughesNC 🤯

GOAT back? 🐐 pic.twitter.com/c0Yx58TQYd

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 5, 2024

According to reports, UNC was turned down by Arthur Smith, former Falcons HC and current Steelers OC then turned to Belichick who wants assurance that his son, Steve Belichick would start as an assistant but be a head coach in waiting. Apparently UNC is fine with that deal.

What is new here the thought that Nick Saban could come out of retirement and join Belichick as a position coach at UNC? According to Saturday Blitz…

It is well-documented that Saban and Belichick are great friends back to their days in Cleveland when Saban worked under Belichick during his first gig as a head coach. The two have maintained a close relationship throughout the years despite one coaching in the NFL and the other in college.

The seven-time national championship coach Saban could see a role as a position coach or defensive coordinator presumably under Belichick. This would make for quite the intriguing duo in Chapel Hill.

It would be hard to imagine UNC not being extremely competitive with Belichick and Saban on their sideline, and if you’re trying to set your son up for success, then why not leave him with a dominant program?

As to why Saban would be interested, well I’d only assume it’s because he and Belichick are friends and Belichick hasn’t coached in college. Bringing on Saban as a consultant or assistant coach may allow him to get back in the game with someone he trusts but not have to have the weight of an entire program on his shoulders.

For Belichick, you get a guy who knows the ropes and can help you set up the program to hand over to your son.

Do I think the Belichick thing happens? Maybe. Do I believe Saban joins him? I give that a near 0% chance, but I also believe Belichick will surround himself with proven winners who have done big things at the college level. So, I see where this speculation comes from.

Meanwhile, if Tony Gibson leaves for an HC position, and there’s some kind of arms race for NFL Hall of Famer coaches taking position coach roles in college, then heck, give me Bill Cowher as defensive coordinator at NC State!