For a football team that isn't historically strong on defense, this unit is the main reason behind UNC's early 2026 success.
North Carolina (2-0) turned heads during Week Zero, upsetting TCU 15-10 while holding the Horned Frogs (1-1) under 300 yards. Last weekend in Kenan Stadium, the Tar Heels held ETSU without a touchdown, not allowing a point until Ewan Johnson's late, fourth-quarter field goal.
UNC is doing all this without defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, who is currently on medical leave. On Thursday morning, Belichick officially resigned resigned from his position.
Steve, who is head coach Bill Belichick's oldest son, was on medical leave since August 6. Steve previously served on the New England Patriots staff from 2012-2023, transitioned
to his first defensive coordinator job at Washington in 2024, then followed Bill to Chapel Hill before North Carolina's 2025 campaign.
With Steve now out of the picture, who will call defensive plays for the Tar Heels? Bill seems like the first logical choice, as defense quickly became a hallmark of his New England teams for 20+ years.
Sources: Steve Belichick has resigned as North Carolina’s defensive coordinator. He’s been on medical leave since August 6. pic.twitter.com/qOqum4ZKP6
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 17, 2026
On its defensive staff, UNC also has defensive line coach Bob Diaco, inside linebackers coach Jamie Collins, outside linebackers coach Ty Nichols and defensive backs/safeties coach Brian Belichick. Bill speaks highly of Diaco, coached Collins during their time together with the Patriots, while Brian is his youngest son.
North Carolina is no stranger to being in the news, most recently with freshmen Keeyun Chapman and CJ Sadler being stopped on Tuesday night, but the team is 2-0.
Steve Belichick's time in Chapel Hill proved certainly an interesting one, but the Tar Heels' defense improved from 2024 to 2025 under his watch. Who's the next man up for UNC?
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: Crucial member of UNC's football coaching staff resigns Thursday
