UNC head coach Bill Belichick amps up his recruiting with visits to New Jersey high school football powerhouses

Legendary former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, now leading the University of North Carolina (UNC) football program, made a significant splash in college recruiting.

Officially introduced as UNC's coach on Dec. 12, 2024, Belichick has embraced his new role with zeal, surprising many by actively hitting the recruiting trail.

On Thursday, Belichick visited two renowned New Jersey high school programs—Bergen Catholic and Don Bosco Prep. The six-time Super Bowl champion handed out scholarship offers in person. Among those offered was Bergen Catholic’s standout junior running back, Najee Calhoun.

In North Carolina, Belichick's recruiting efforts have been equally aggressive. He visited 12 of the state’s top 19 uncommitted prospects within 36 hours. At Hough High School, defensive back Samari Matthews felt prioritized after Belichick’s visit, potentially influencing his decision-making process.

Belichick also met notable players like twin defensive linemen Andrew and Aidan Harris and linebacker T.J. Davis, all relatives of NFL Pro Bowler Thomas Davis.

In Charlotte, he visited defensive back Camdin Portis, son of former NFL star Clinton Portis, alongside several other top prospects. This includes Providence Day’s Zaid Lott, a quarterback committed to UNC.

Michael Lombardi dispels rumors of NFL teams pursuing Bill Belichick

North Carolina football general manager Michael Lombardi has put to rest recent speculation that NFL teams are targeting Tar Heels coach Bill Belichick for vacant coaching roles.

Earlier this week, rumors circulated that Las Vegas Raiders’ minority owner Tom Brady had spoken to Belichick about the team’s vacant head coaching role. However, Belichick dismissed these claims, as he remained focused on visiting schools, meeting players, and connecting with coaches across New Jersey.

Speaking on "The Pat McAfee Show," Lombardi dismissed the rumors as baseless, emphasizing Belichick's unwavering commitment to UNC.

"Completely committed, 1,000 percent committed," Lombardi said. "Guys that do the insider stuff for the NFL, they've got to put stories out there. That one was a complete falsehood. Coach Belichick, when that story came out, was recruiting South Jersey ...

"That story just had no legs. I think what often happens in rumoring, and I know this from doing it in the league, is people try to make a connection. A to B equals C. That's not always the case."

He then spoke about Brady's involvement.

"Yes, Tom Brady is being involved with interviews, yes Tom Brady is doing research on coaching candidates, yes Tom Brady is calling people up for advice and council ... but don't assume because he's doing that that he wants Bill Belichick," he added.

With a coaching career spanning 49 years, Belichick’s legacy includes 474 wins, 298 losses and one tie. Leading the New England Patriots from 2000 to 2023, he secured six Super Bowl titles, a 266-121 regular-season record and a 31-13 playoff record.