North Carolina Tar Heels Shake Up Coaching Staff After Tumultuous First Season Under Bill Belichick
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The University of North Carolina’s football program is entering a new phase of transition after firing two key assistant coaches following a difficult 2025 season. Bill Belichick, in his inaugural year as head coach of the Tar Heels, announced on Friday that offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens and special teams coordinator Mike Priefer will not return for the upcoming season. The move comes after UNC finished with a 4-8 record, marking one of the most challenging campaigns in recent memory for the storied program.
Belichick, who signed a five-year contract to lead the Tar Heels after parting ways with the New England Patriots in 2023, faced a rocky start to his collegiate coaching career. The team’s offensive struggles were particularly glaring; UNC ranked 119th nationally in scoring offense, averaging just 19.3 points per game, and 129th in total offense with 288.8 yards per contest. These statistics placed the Tar Heels near the bottom of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, highlighting the urgency for change.
Special teams also proved to be a weak link, with notable breakdowns late in the season. UNC’s special teams allowed a successful fake field goal by rival Duke that set up a game-winning touchdown, followed by a fake punt by N.C. State that secured a critical first down. These miscues underscored the challenges facing Priefer’s unit and contributed to the decision to part ways.
“We want to thank Coach Kitchens and Coach Priefer for their commitment and many contributions to our program and student-athletes,” Belichick said in a statement. “We wish them both nothing but the best in their future endeavors.” The departures signal a clear intent by Belichick and the UNC administration to recalibrate and build a more competitive team moving forward.
Belichick’s arrival at UNC was met with significant attention and controversy, not only due to his legendary NFL coaching resume but also because of off-field distractions, including public scrutiny surrounding his 24-year-old girlfriend, Jordon Hudson. Despite these challenges, Belichick has maintained his commitment to the program and emphatically stated his intention to remain in college football rather than return to the NFL.
UNC’s coaching upheaval follows the departure of longtime head coach Mack Brown after the 2024 season, marking a period of considerable change for the Tar Heels. The university’s athletic department is now focused on stabilizing the program and improving performance on the field.
For more on NCAA football coaching changes and team performance, visit the NCAA official website. Details on coaching contracts and transitions can be found through the NCAA Football page. For insights into Bill Belichick’s coaching career and legacy, the New England Patriots official site offers comprehensive background. Additionally, the ESPN College Football section provides up-to-date news and analysis on the Tar Heels and other programs nationwide.
As the Tar Heels prepare for the 2026 season, all eyes will be on Belichick’s next moves to rebuild a struggling offense and shore up special teams. The decisions made in the coming months will be critical to determining whether UNC can return to its winning traditions and compete at the highest levels of college football.
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