Bill Belichick considering two ex-NFL coaches as new offensive coordinator after awful UNC debut

Bill Belichick, the head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, is on the hunt for a new offensive coordinator after parting ways with Freddie Kitchens. Kitchens’ tenure was marred by a disappointing 4-8 record in his first season with the team. Belichick is now turning his attention to two former NFL head coaches with NCAA experience as potential replacements.

One of the coaches on Belichick’s radar is Chip Kelly, who was recently fired as the offensive coordinator of the Raiders. Kelly has a wealth of coaching experience at both the collegiate and professional levels, having served as head coach for the Eagles and the 49ers in the NFL, as well as at Oregon and UCLA in college. He also had a stint as the offensive coordinator for Ohio State in 2024.

Another candidate being considered is Bobby Petrino, who previously coached the Falcons in the NFL before moving on to Arkansas and various other college coaching positions. Petrino most recently served as the offensive coordinator at Arkansas before taking over as interim head coach following the firing of Sam Pittman in September.

Belichick, who signed a lucrative five-year contract with North Carolina in 2024, has a clause in his deal that allows him to leave for an NFL coaching opportunity with just a $1 million buyout. Despite rumors linking him to the Giants’ coaching vacancy, Belichick has expressed his commitment to building a competitive program in Chapel Hill.

The 73-year-old coaching legend has not coached in the NFL since his departure from the Patriots after a disappointing 4-13 season in 2023. With his sights set on revamping his coaching staff at North Carolina, Belichick is looking to bring in experienced coaches like Kelly and Petrino to help turn the Tar Heels’ fortunes around and build a winning program.