"Tom Brady was a 4th string QB": Bill Belichick pulls out legendary resume when questioned about player development

Bill Belichick is one of the greatest coaches of all time. The former New England Patriots coach has won more Super Bowls than some divisions combined, and he won't hesitate to remind you of that.

Following his surprise decision to accept the coaching role at the University of North Carolina, Belichick spoke about an underrated aspect of his coaching career: the ability to nurture top talent like Tom Brady. He said:

"Tom Brady was a 4th string QB his rookie year ... (Rob) Gronkowski didn't do too much his rookie year ... (Julian) Edelman played QB in college ... developing players is something we believe strongly in."

It's a good thing that Belichick said that because some analysts have forgotten his role in the careers of three of the greatest players in Patriots history - Brady, Gronkowski and Edelman.

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Bill Belichick arrives at North Carolina with a stacked resume

Bill Belichick has a resume that'd be difficult to stack up even in video games. The Nashville-born iconic coach has six Super Bowl rings, three AP NFL Coach of the Year awards, one PFWA Executive of the Year and two Super Bowl rings as an assistant and is a member of two NFL All-decade teams.

Belichick started in the NFL as a special assistant at the Baltimore Ravens in 1975. He then became an assistant special teams coordinator, defensive coordinator and superstar coach.

Belichick's excellence in the NFL spanned decades as he joins UNC in the twilight of his coaching career. It's an interesting pivot, but anyone with a resume like Belichick must have some homework before accepting the challenge.

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What's the task ahead for Bill Belichick?

The North Carolina Tar Heels are a historical collegiate sports powerhouse, but their football team has been stuck in mediocrity off late. This season can be used as a case study, with UNC regularly going on winning runs only to ruin all the momentum by embarking on a losing streak.

Belichick joins the team with the intention of making the program more attractive for potential high-caliber recruits. He's also looking to become one of the few coaches to win at both the professional and amateur levels of football.

Belichick will officially begin work in 2025, and the first three years of his contract are guaranteed, while the other two aren't. It's anyone's guess whether the future Hall of Famer will give the NFL another go in the not-too-distant future.