Printable Page
11/14 19:40 CST UNC's Belichick says he has 'not and will not' pursue open NFL
jobs, is committed to Tar Heels
UNC's Belichick says he has 'not and will not' pursue open NFL jobs, is
committed to Tar Heels
By AARON BEARD
AP Sports Writer
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick said he isn't pursuing any jobs as a head
coach in the NFL.
In a statement posted on social media Friday night and coming amid the first
changes of the current hiring cycle, the 73-year-old who led the NFL's New
England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles said he remains committed to building
a program as a first-time college coach.
"Since arriving in Chapel Hill," Belichick said, "my commitment to the UNC
football program hasn't (wavered)."
The New York Giants and Tennessee Titans have coaching vacancies, notably with
the Giants firing Brian Daboll earlier this week. Belichick was part of two
Super Bowl titles with the Giants as defensive coordinator under Bill Parcells.
Belichick, who shrugged off coaching rumors Tuesday after Daboll's firing,
specifically mentioned the Giants in Friday's statement.
"It was a privilege for me to work for the Mara family and be a member of Coach
Parcells' staff for over a decade," Belichick said. "However, despite
circulating rumors, I have not and will not pursue any NFL head coaching
vacancies."
Belichick's Tar Heels (4-5, 2-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) have won two
straight games to inch closer to bowl eligibility, notably with a better
defensive showing that has included racking up sacks.
UNC visits Wake Forest on Saturday, the first of three straight in-state ACC
foes to end the regular-season schedule.
"My focus remains solely on continuing to improve this team, develop our
players and build a program that makes Tar Heel fans proud," Belichick said.
"We're on to Wake Forest."
___
Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up
here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college football:
https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and
https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
|
