Bill Belichick seems to be settling in rather well in his new coaching role. The legendary head coach is embarking on a surprising chapter as the head football coach for the North Carolina Tar Heels—a move few could have predicted.
Many expected the former New England Patriots head coach to return to an NFL sideline. Yet after a year of interviews but no solid offers, Belichick chose a different path, heading to Chapel Hill to take over UNC football.
However, his move to college football might not have happened if one particular NFL job had been available.
On Monday, the Dallas Cowboys and head coach Mike McCarthy parted ways after failing to agree on a contract extension, according to Tom Pelissero. While McCarthy’s departure wasn’t shocking, it may have come too late for Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to capitalize on a unique opportunity.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Belichick would have been interested in the Cowboys’ head coaching job had he known it would open up.
"Bill Belichick would have been interested in the Cowboys' job, and it's believed that Dallas would have been interested in him, had he known the position would become available," Schultz reported. "Belichick and his camp never received any indication during backchannel conversations that the job would open up, which is partly why he ended up at UNC. Belichick has an excellent relationship with the Jones family."
Belichick officially joined UNC as head coach on Dec. 11. At that time, the Cowboys were 5-8 and still technically in playoff contention. They finished the season 7-10, missing the playoffs and prompting McCarthy’s exit.
As of now, Belichick appears committed to his role at UNC. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, he has no immediate plans to return to the NFL. However, that doesn’t entirely rule out a future NFL reunion. Jerry Jones could still tempt Belichick back to the pros by paying his reported $10 million buyout—or the Cowboys could pursue another candidate entirely.
For now, the focus remains on Belichick’s fresh start in Chapel Hill and what this unexpected chapter will bring for one of the most storied coaches in football history.