Bill Belichick isn't done tinkering with the Tar Heels' roster just yet. With the 2026 season looming, the UNC head coach is exploring late additions to bolster his squad as the program looks to rebound from a rough campaign.
On Friday, Belichick confirmed that North Carolina is among the programs evaluating former college players from the class of 2022 who are seeking a fifth year of eligibility through the courts. While some schools have jumped at the chance to bring in these veterans, others have steered clear. The Tar Heels are taking a measured approach.
“We’ve looked at a number of them,” Belichick said. “Each case is a little bit different. If it works, it works. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t. I don’t think there’s anything we’re counting on, but we’re always open to anything that will help the team.”
It's a familiar stance for Belichick, who has never been shy about churning the bottom of a roster to find hidden gems. But for UNC, these potential additions come at a critical juncture. The Tar Heels missed a bowl game last season and finished with a losing record, a far cry from the expectations that came with hiring one of the NFL's greatest minds.
The program has also faced external criticism, with some questioning the standards and direction under Belichick's leadership. The Ringer's Todd McShay recently pointed to Oklahoma as the model, saying, “That front office for the Oklahoma Sooners is the model that everyone’s chasing right now. Everything that Mike Lombardi and Bill Belichick pitched about being the 33rd NFL team, that’s what’s actually going on at Oklahoma.”
Those comments sting, especially given the recent troubles surrounding Belichick's right-hand man, Michael Lombardi, who was placed on leave earlier this offseason. The scrutiny has only intensified as UNC tries to find its footing under its high-profile coach.
Still, Belichick remains focused on improvement, and these late additions could provide a spark. The pool of players isn't huge, but for a team that struggled to find consistency, even one or two experienced pieces could make a difference. The Tar Heels are also reportedly looking at NFL castoffs to fill gaps, a strategy that has gained traction across college football.
For now, though, UNC is in an exploratory phase. Belichick isn't making promises, but he's keeping every door open. As the season approaches, Tar Heels fans will be watching closely to see if any last-minute moves can help turn the tide in Chapel Hill.
With the pressure mounting and the clock ticking, Belichick's willingness to adapt could be the key to a turnaround. Whether these late additions materialize or not, his approach signals a coach who isn't satisfied with the status quo. And in a program that's faced its quietest season in a decade, that's a welcome sign.
