Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy makes feelings known on Bill Belichick joining UNC

On Wednesday, it was confirmed that Bill Belichick was hired as the new coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels. The news surprised many, including Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy, who thinks UNC could be a force in college football.

McCarthy spoke about Belichick's competitiveness and congratulated him after learning about the news of UNC's new hire.

“Wow, that’s great." McCarthy said, via The Athletic's Jon Machota. "That’s a beautiful place. No, I’m serious. I think it’s cool, I really do. Coaching is coaching.

“I’ll say one thing, they’ll be someone to be reckoned with. I have a lot of respect for Bill and the job that he’s always done. He was always very difficult to compete against. … Congratulations to him. I’m happy for him.”

McCarthy has endured a tough time as the Cowboys coach this season. His team is third in the NFC East with a 5-8 record heading into Week 15.

Amid the Cowboys' struggles, there were also reports suggesting that Belichick could replace McCarthy at Dallas. However, the eight-time Super Bowl-winning coach has found a new team after parting with the New England Patriots in January.

On the other hand, McCarthy will need to finish the regular season on a high if he wants to keep his job.

Bill Belichick's emotional statement after being hired as UNC coach

North Carolina HC Bill Belichick - Source: Getty

Bill Belichick's appointment as North Carolina coach marks a full-circle moment for him. In a statement released on Wednesday, Belichick said that his father served as an assistant coach for UNC in the 1950s and that he always wanted to follow in his footsteps to coach the program.

"I am excited for the opportunity at UNC-Chapel Hill. I grew up around college football with my Dad and treasured those times. I have always wanted to coach in college and now I look forward to building the football program in Chapel Hill," Belichick's statement read.

Belichick served as the coach for the New England Patriots from 2000 to 2023 and helped them win 17 AFC East titles, along with six Super Bowls. He also won two Super Bowls as a defensive coordinator with the New York Giants.