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Bill Belichick may not have gotten the college coaching debut he had hoped for in his first season with the North Carolina Tar Heels, but the New England Patriots legend is still undisputed when it comes to his NFL legacy.
On Tuesday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced that Belichick was among the final 12 coaches in the running for the 2026 class, a group that will be narrowed down to nine semifinalists in early November.
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick blows his whistle during an NFL football practice Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, file)
Other notable coaches in the running include Tom Coughlin, who led the New York Giants to two Super Bowl victories, as well as Super Bowl champions Mike Holmgren, George Seifert and Mike Shanahan.
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Belichick completed his NFL coaching career in 2023 as the architect behind one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history, which saw the Patriots win six Super Bowls under his tenure.
Tuesday’s news comes amid a rocky start for Belichick at North Carolina.
Between the Tar Heels 2-4 record and Belichick’s relationship with Jordon Hudson making headlines, Belichick’s first season was full of distractions. Earlier this month, Hulu reportedly pulled the plug on a documentary series following Coach’s first season.
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick and his girlfriend Jordon Hudson watch from the sidelines against TCU at Kenan Memorial Stadium. (Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
BILL BELICHICK, JORDON HUDSON’S HOT MIC MOMENT LEAKED MIDDLE OF UNC’S DRAMA-FILLED SEASON
This decision was reversed after North Carolina’s blowout loss to Clemson at home.
Last week, a heated on-mic moment between Belichick and Hudson was leaked. In the clip obtained by “Pablo Torre Finds Out,” the pair can be heard making disappearing remarks about the production and graphics team while filming Belichick’s show, “Coach,” which was on the Underdog network last year.
The media circus surrounding the longtime coach reached a point where rumors began to circulate that the two sides were discussing a “possible exit strategy.” But Belichick and UNC later released statements denying the claim.
North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick stands on the sidelines in the second quarter at Kenan Stadium. (Bob Donnan/Imagn Images)
“I am fully committed to UNC Football and the program we are building here,” Belichick said at the time.
