Bill Belichick’s recent move to coach the University of North Carolina’s football team has raised more than just eyebrows, especially with the growing trend of family members being brought on staff. The iconic NFL coach has long been known for his unorthodox decisions, and his latest ones seem to be no different.
When Belichick was announced as the Tar Heels’ new head coach, the anticipation surrounding his staff was palpable. UNC granted him a substantial $10 million budget to build a championship-worthy program. The first of his hires was Freddie Kitchens, a familiar face retained from the previous coaching staff, ensuring stability on the offensive side.
However, Belichick made his intentions clear with the appointment of his son, Steve Belichick, to the defensive side. Steve, previously part of the New England Patriots coaching staff, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from his father’s tenure in the NFL. This father-son duo has already garnered significant attention, but the moves didn’t stop there.
Belichick’s deep-rooted ties continued with Michael Lombardi, a trusted former colleague in the NFL, being appointed as the program’s general manager. Lombardi’s vast experience is highly regarded, and his familiarity with Belichick made him a natural fit.
But the most controversial addition came with the hiring of Michael Lombardi’s son, Matt Lombardi. A former offensive analyst at Oregon, Matt joins UNC’s staff amidst whispers of nepotism, with fans taking to social media to voice their concerns. Accusations of favoring family members for roles have surfaced, with some calling it a “nepo baby show.”
While the focus on familial ties raises questions, Belichick’s approach could also signal a blueprint for success, built on loyalty and trust. Only time will tell if these family-centered hires will pay off or backfire as UNC prepares for the 2025 season.
