Bill Belichick is no stranger to headlines, and his latest career move to college football generated loads of them. After stepping away from the New England Patriots on Jan. 11, 2024, following 24 seasons and six Super Bowl titles, the 72-year-old has decided to throw his hat back into the ring again. This time, it’s in a whole new setting.
He landed a five-year deal to coach the University of North Carolina — his first foray into the college game. However, according to reports, the seasoned football coach reached out to the New York Jets about replacing interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, and ex-Patriots Rob Gronkowski feels that it might have a hidden motive.
Rob Gronkowski Feels Bill Belichick Stirred the Pot With His Call to the Jets
Just as the North Carolina Tar Heels began celebrating their new head coach, whispers of Belichick’s alleged “reach out” to the Jets reignited intrigue. Meanwhile, Rob Gronkowski, who played his nine NFL seasons under Belichick, appeared on the “Up and Adams Show,” offering his take on the subject.
Gronk suggested that the move was more strategic than sincere: “It came out after he accepted the job at UNC; I think it was just to kind of stir up the pot and, you know, get his name out there more for a head coaching gig.”
He further claimed, “I don’t think he would ever go to the Jets to be head coach. But if he knows that there’s interest for him, even to go to the Jets, other teams will call him and, you know, and interview him. He’s a genius.”
.@RobGronkowski on the rumors that Bill Belichick wanted the Jets HC job…
"I think it was just to kinda STIR UP the plot… I don't think he'd ever go to the Jets to be a head coach."
Messy mess Bill 😅@heykayadams pic.twitter.com/Un0CvNGLjS
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) December 18, 2024
Interestingly, the former Patriots coach has a brief history with the Jets, making the speculation even more compelling. After being named head coach in 2000, he resigned just one day later to join the Patriots, a decision that altered the course of NFL history.
Now, nearly 25 years later, the possibility of another twist with the Jets adds an extra layer of fascination to Belichick’s legendary career. Belichick, introduced as UNC’s head coach on Dec. 12, has $30 million guaranteed for the first three years. This is a significant hike from his predecessor, Hall of Famer Mack Brown, who was fired on Nov. 26.
Belichick’s UNC contract is packed with perks, including a courtesy car, a Chapel Hill Country Club membership, and a $100,000 expense allowance. There is also a litany of performance bonuses, including a $1.75 million payout for winning a national title. The NIL funding increases and competitive assistant salaries will justify the numbers, positioning UNC as a top-tier program under his leadership.
Football fans would love to see whether Belichick sticks with UNC until the end of his three-year term or races back to the NFL again.