Belichick says he enjoys college coaching as UNC prepares for second season

North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick told reporters at ACC football media days that he has come to enjoy coaching at the college level. The former NFL coach, who signed a $10 million-per-year contract last year, said the biggest lesson has been learning how to work with university staff, academic officials and donors.

"I learned that I like coaching in college. I didn't know whether I would or wouldn't, but I do," Belichick said.

He added that his first season, which ended with a 4-8 record, highlighted a steep learning curve in navigating the university environment and managing a roster built largely through the transfer portal. Belichick indicated that this year’s recruiting class includes many young players and that the program will take a slower, more traditional development approach.

"We brought in a lot of young players that are going to be good, but it's going to take a little time. We'll see how quickly they come along or don't," he said.

Belichick also noted that building relationships with donors and other support personnel has been a key focus as the program seeks to improve its performance in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

"It's just a different model. Coming into a new organization, it's been a time investment, but it's certainly paying off now," he said.

The coach’s comments come as UNC looks to rebound from last season’s struggles and aims for incremental progress in the upcoming campaign.