In an unforeseen development that sent shockwaves around the nation, Bill Belichick has accepted an offer to become the next head coach of North Carolina. The 72-year-old six-time Super Bowl champion will embrace a new challenge by taking his first-ever coaching gig in college football. Belichick will attempt to catapult the Tar Heels program to perennial contention. He has a fledged-out plan, having already played a role in appointing former Cleveland Browns general manager Michael Lombardi as school “GM.”
Both sides are committed to making this a success. Widespread reports indicate North Carolina's NIL budget will be increasing from $4-5 million to a sizable $20 million. The increase in available funds should allow Belichick to be a legitimate player to attract new talent via the ever-chaotic transfer portal.
We've identified three players Belichick should attempt to lure to North Carolina via the portal.
Maalik Murphy, QB, Duke
Sitting atop Belichick's wishlist should be improved QB play. Three different signal-callers attempted passes for the Tar Heels this season. Primary starter Jacolby Criswell didn't meet expectations and second-choice QB Conner Harrell has already entered the transfer portal himself.
Belichick's sizable NIL budget could make him a legitimate player for Duke quarterback Maalik Murphy. Murphy is already familiar with the conference, having thrived at Duke this past season. The dual-threat QB produced 28 touchdowns this past season and would immediately make North Carolina's offense fun and productive.
Max Klare, TE, Purdue
Belichick needs to add a Rob Gronkowski or Aaron Hernandez, right? Belichick has always emphasized receiving high-end performances from his tight ends and the Tar Heels could greatly improve at that position. Senior John Copenhaver led all North Carolina tight ends in receptions (36) and receiving yards (370) this season.
Former Purdue tight end Max Klare is largely considered the top-ranked tight end in the portal as of now. The Guilford, Indiana native was dynamic this season, recording 51 receptions for 685 yards and four touchdowns for the Boilermakers. Interestingly enough, the 6-foot-4, 240-pound Klare has already reportedly drawn interest in the portal from Boston College, who are led by former Belichick assistant Bill O'Brien. They have a type. Belichick should enter the sweepstakes.
Braelin Moore, OL, Virginia Tech
Before Belichick was announced as the new head coach, four North Carolina offensive lineman had already announced their decisions to enter the portal. One of them, starting center Austin Blaske, has already withdrawn his name from the portal. Among the planned departures is top freshman Aidan Banfield, who would represent a sizable loss.
Improved trench play will be a priority for Belichick, who is tasked with rebuilding an offense that will lose superstar running back Omarion Hampton to the 2025 NFL Draft. One potentially intriguing prospect worth exploring is Virginia Tech offensive lineman Braelin Moore. An experienced interior offensive linemen, he'd be plug-and-play for Belichick at guard, a position he played for the Hokies before moving to center this past season. He's a legitimate anchor up front.
