Bill Belichick and the North Carolina Tar Heels have made a major move for their defense.
Bill Belichick and the North Carolina Tar Heels went just 4-8 this past season, but it actually wasn't because of their defense.
North Carolina was pretty solid on the defensive side of the ball in 2025, finishing seventh in the ACC in yards allowed and eighth in scoring defense.
Obviously, things could be better, but the Tar Heels' offense was a far bigger problem this season.
While North Carolina has lost some key defensive pieces to the transfer portal, such as linebackers Khmori House and Tyler Thompson, it did just secure a major cog for 2026.
The Tar Heels have announced that they have re-signed star defensive end Melkart Abou-Jaoude, ending speculation that the upcoming senior could bolt Chapel Hill.
Abou-Jaoude began his collegiate career at Delaware and actually registered 6.5 sacks for the Fightin' Blue Hens during his final season with the team in 2024.
The Newton, N.J. native then transferred to North Carolina last year and ultimately enjoyed a breakout campaign with the Tar Heels, racking up 47 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks.
Much of Abou-Jaoude's production came during the second half of 2025, as he rattled off 8.5 sacks over his final six games.
Abou-Jaoude has even put himself on the map as an NFL Draft prospect and should land with a professional team in April 2027.
For now, though, the 6-foot-5, 260-pound pass rusher is focused on returning to UNC and building on the success he experienced this year.
Abou-Jaoude was one of the few true bright spots for Belichick in Year 1. There is no doubt he represents a major win for Belichick in the transfer portal, so that's one notch that the 73-year-old coach can have under his belt heading into 2026.
North Carolina Tar Heels defensive end Melkart Abou-Jaoude gets a sack. Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images.Of course, Belichick needs a lot more than that to rebuild his reputation.
North Carolina just missed a bowl game for the first time since 2018 and was embarrassed in a handful of blowout losses this season.
Belichick also didn't do his public image any favors by barring New England Patriots scouts from the Tar Heels facility and banning Drake Maye content on social media.
Hopefully, Year 2 goes considerably better for the NFL legend.