— Bill Belichick recorded his first victory as North Carolina head coach as the Tar Heels beat Charlotte 20-3 at Jerry Richardson Stadium before a record crowd of 19,233, and he confirmed this week that he barred a New England Patriots scout from attending UNC practices.
Key takeaways
- Belichick’s first game-winning start at UNC was a 20-3 home victory over Charlotte on Sept. 7, 2025.
- The game drew a reported crowd of 19,233 at Jerry Richardson Stadium.
- Belichick confirmed he banned a Patriots scout from UNC’s campus after tensions with his former team.
- UNC’s offense showed flashes — scoring on the opening drive — but struggled to sustain drives.
- The win followed a 48-14 loss to TCU earlier in the week that increased scrutiny of Belichick’s five-year, $50m contract.
- Belichick spent 24 seasons with New England, winning six Super Bowls and appearing in nine with Tom Brady.
Verified facts
On Sept. 7, 2025, North Carolina beat Charlotte, 20-3, in rainy conditions. The game was Belichick’s first official win as UNC head coach after his January 2024 departure from the New England Patriots.
After the game Belichick addressed reports that he had denied a Patriots scout access to UNC practices this summer, saying, “It’s clear I’m not welcomed in their facility, so they aren’t welcomed in ours … Simple as that.” The comment ties into a visibly strained relationship between Belichick and his former organization.
The Tar Heels opened with a scoring drive but were inconsistent on offense thereafter. Charlotte’s limited scoring opportunities contributed to the margin, and UNC’s defense held Charlotte to three points.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Final score | UNC 20 — Charlotte 3 |
| Date | Sept. 7, 2025 |
| Venue | Jerry Richardson Stadium |
| Attendance | 19,233 |
| Belichick contract | 5 years, $50 million |
Context & impact
Belichick’s move to college football followed a long, decorated NFL tenure in New England. His arrival at UNC carried high expectations — and immediate scrutiny — because of the program-changing contract and formidable résumé.
The scout ban, confirmed by Belichick, is notable because college programs and NFL franchises routinely exchange scouting access. A public refusal signals deeper friction between Belichick and the Patriots’ organization since his January 2024 exit.
On-field, the win provides short-term relief after a lopsided loss to TCU that sparked criticism of coaching and game planning. For UNC stakeholders — boosters, alumni and recruits — consistency over the next several games will shape perceptions more than a single victory.
- Recruiting: Early impressions from the program’s start and handling of the Patriots relationship could influence prospects.
- Program stability: Athletic department and fan patience may hinge on offensive improvements.
“It’s clear I’m not welcomed in their facility, so they aren’t welcomed in ours … Simple as that.”
Bill Belichick
Unconfirmed
- Whether the Patriots formally requested practice access this summer and the exact timeline of any requests.
- Any internal communications or negotiations between UNC and the Patriots about scouting visits.
Bottom line
Belichick’s first UNC victory eases immediate pressure but does not remove questions about offensive consistency and the broader relationship with his former NFL team. The public scout ban adds an off-field subplot that could shape narratives around Belichick’s tenure and his ties to New England.