UNC’s Bill Belichick Pulls Off Feat for First Time Since Coaching Patriots

The North Carolina Tar Heels came away with a strong 35-3 win over the East Tennessee State Buccaneers.

Head coach Bill Belichick has now started 2-0 for the first time since he was the head coach for the New England Patriots in the 2019 season, when they went 12-4. Belichick had a phenomenal run with the Patriots, cementing his status as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history, with six Super Bowl titles.

He then joined the Tar Heels ahead of the 2025 season, but it was a rough first year, as they finished 4-8. Belichick and North Carolina have flipped the script in the 2026 season with a win over TCU in the opener followed by their dominant win over East Tennessee State.

In the Tar Heels' win, quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. played at a high level, completing 15 of 20 passes for 244 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. It was a much better game for Edwards than he had against TCU, as he completed 16 of 28 passes for 232 yards in that game and did not find the end zone.

Tight end Jelani Thurman was his top target, as he had four receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown.

Running back Benjamin Hall caught the other touchdown pass, finishing with two receptions for 21 yards while rushing for 49 yards on four carries.

Demon June had a strong game on the ground for North Carolina, with 33 yards and three touchdowns on seven attempts.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Tar Heels held East Tennessee to just three points. Defensive back Greg Smith came away with an interception while Xavier Lewis and Jaylen Harvey each had two sacks.

The defense has played at an elite level to start the 2026 season, allowing only 13 points over two games.

North Carolina is known for its basketball program, but Belichick is turning the football team into a solid team. If he can improve the team to 3-0 with a win over the Clemson Tigers next week, it could solidify Belichick and the Tar Heels as a contender to win the ACC Title.