One of the greatest NFL head coaches of all time is also being petty.
North Carolina head football coach Bill Belichick has banned New England Patriots scouts from attending Tar Heels practices, a person with direct knowledge of the situation confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
Podcaster John Middlekauff was first to report the story.
The banned access message was sent by North Carolina football general manager Mike Lombardi.
The Patriots and Belichick “mutually” parted ways after the 2023 season. Belichick won six Super Bowl titles during his 24 seasons in New England, but the franchise saw a steep decline during his final two years – finishing below .500 in each of his last two seasons.
North Carolina hired Belichick to become the school’s head coach in December of 2024.
Belichick’s time in Chapel Hill has gotten off to a rocky start. The Tar Heels were trounced by TCU 48-14 in their nationally televised season opener at home with the likes of Michael Jordan and Lawrence Taylor in attendance.
There was a noticeable discrepancy in talent between the two college football programs. And now, at least Patriots scouts, aren’t permitted to view North Carolina’s players who are attempting to play in the NFL.