The North Carolina Tar Heels are officially in Ireland as they prepare for their season opener against TCU on Saturday afternoon. It will be a rematch of last season's primetime Week 1 matchup in which the Horned Frogs took down the Tar Heels.
But this year is even more important for the Tar Heels as they enter the second season in the Belichick era.
The first year was a disaster for UNC, going 4-8 overall and having one of the worst passing offenses in all of college football. The defense was a little better but wasn't good enough to push them over the edge. Now, the Tar Heels will be without their defensive coordinator for this game.
Per Inside Carolina and Pete Nakos, defensive coordinator Steve Belichick is not making the trip to Ireland with
the team and is still on medical leave. It's a huge hit for the Tar Heels' coaching staff as he's been out since the start of training camp.
NEW: North Carolina DC Steve Belichick is not expected to be with the team to open the season Saturday in Dublin vs. TCU, @PeteNakos and @InsideCarolina report.
— On3 (@On3) August 27, 2026
The son of head coach Bill Belichick has been on indefinite medical leave since early August.… pic.twitter.com/H79Bmevw8P
With Belichick out, Inside Carolina is reporting that Bill Belichick and defensive line coach Bob Diaco have collaborated on defensive game prep. Belichick is expected to handle play-calling duties.
The Tar Heels will have to be on their game Saturday, facing transfer quarterback Jaden Craig. The former Harvard quarterback has reportedly looked good in training camp so far.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC football will be without defensive coordinator against TCU
