Hall of Fame coach George Karl makes feelings known on Bill Belichick leading North Carolina

George Karl expressed his excitement when North Carolina, his alma mater, named the legendary Bill Belichick the school’s new football coach. The basketball Hall of Famer said that although it’s “been a while” he “would be happy to show” Belichick around the Tar Heels campus. At the start of the New Year, Karl wished the coach, now known as Chapel Bill, to lead the program to the playoffs.

On Tuesday, Belichik posted on X, formerly Twitter:

“‘Beat Dook’ my first words as a boy are my first words on X! Go Heels!!”

George Karl reacted to that message:

“Man it’s cool to have @Belichick_B on our team!”

In Bill Belichick’s press conference as the new North Carolina head coach, he opened up about his decision to join the Tar Heels. He called it a “full-circle” moment for him and told reporters a never-before-heard story. The legendary former New England Patriots coach said one of the stories he waa told growing up was that his first words as a young boy were “Beat Duke.”

As a former North Carolina basketball player, George Karl appreciated where Belichick stands in the Tar Heels' storied and often contentious rivalry with the Blue Devils. Karl played for the Tar Heels from 1970 to 1973 before playing in the pros and eventually building a Hall of Fame coaching career.

Bill Belichick will replace Mack Brown, the program’s winningest coach. The eight-time Super Bowl winner told reporters that he came in for the long haul. He quickly earned the Tar Heel nation’s adoration when he said that he didn't come to Chapel Hill to leave.

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George Karl is also rooting for the Denver Broncos

George Karl has had a pleasant month in football. Following Bill Belichick’s hiring as the North Carolina football coach, he is also enjoying the NFL, particularly the Denver Broncos. As a former Denver Nuggets coach in the NBA, Karl remains a fan of the Broncos.

The Broncos beat the Kansas City Chiefs 38-0 on Sunday to earn an AFC Wildcard berth. Karl promptly went on X to write:

“Great to see the Broncos back in the playoffs!

“And Nix is ROTY and Payton is COTY!!”

The Broncos made it to the playoffs behind rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Sean Payton, who picked Nix in the draft, is a candidate for Coach of the Year for what he has done for the team.