The legendary coach brushes off his historic first-ballot exclusion, shifting focus from New England’s trophy case to revitalizing the Tar Heels while addressing rumors of a media-driven snub.
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick is the victim of one of the worst decisions in the history of the NFL Hall of Fame.
Despite winning six Super Bowls as the head coach of the New England Patriots and two more as an assistant coach, the selection committee failed to cast 40 ballots for Belichick (out of 50), so the coach could become a first-ballot HOF inductee.
While Belichick is expected to eventually get in the HOF, he'll never be a first-ballot member.
When speaking on "Hang Out with Sean Hannity," Belichick said he's been too focused on UNC to worry about the HOF vote. Still, he was proud of his legacy with the Patriots.
"Well, out of my control,” he said, via Fox News. "Honestly, I've been very focused on my job at the University of North Carolina and the players, and the university there. So, you know, whatever happens, happens."
"I'm proud of what we accomplished as a team at New England and certainly at the Giants and proud of those relationships, so that's what matters most."
Hannity asked Belichick if he was left out of the HOF for political reasons. During his time in New England, the head coach often had his spats with the media, who make up a large percentage of the HOF vote.
Belichick sidestepped the question, saying the voters needed to be asked the question.
Belichick appreciated the support he received from around the league after learning he had been left out this year.
"Absolutely," Belichick said. "It's great to hear that support from so many people and from so many different fields, not just football, but you know, many others.
"And so, I was very appreciative of that support and, you know, the positive comments that they made."
The committee made a mistake by leaving Belichick out, and it will be a shame that hurts the credibility of the institution going forward.
Belichick has plenty of current things to worry about, including how to get the Tar Heels from a 4-8 record last season to a bowl game in December or January.
