On Saturday, Bill Belichick guided University of North Carolina to its first win this season, overcomingan inauspicious start to the Belichick eralast week. The Tar Heels defeated Charlotte with a20-3 winaway. But,as has been the case since Belichick joined UNC as its head coach, the win was dominated more by off-field drama than on-field results. This time, it was Belichick'sreported decision to bar New England Patriots scouts from Tar Heels practice. After Saturday's game, Belichick was asked about the choice to deny his former team access to his current one, with the coach seemingly confirming the policy with a blunt remark. "It's clear that I'm not welcome around their facility, so (they're) not welcome at ours. Pretty simple," Belichick said, via multiple reporters. No give, no take, for Bill Belichick and the Patriots 😬pic.twitter.com/GybIMjOtPP — Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports)September 7, 2025 Belichick, who spent 24 seasons as the head coach in New England beforehe was let go after the 2023 season, did not seem to end on good terms with the franchise or its owner, Robert Kraft. Though Kraft initially said that the relationship between Belichick and the Patriotsended "amicably,"Belichick hastaken several shots at his former teamin the year and a half since. Now, that bad blood seems to extend to his new program as well. Members of UNC's staff reportedly told the Patriots last month that they would be banned from UNC, one day before a New England scout was set to watch an August football practice. The team has reportedly not tried to scout the Tar Heels since. Other teams are reportedly able to scout UNC's practices, but are restricted to watching the first three periods of practice (which includes stretching) and have no access to coaches or other personnel. The policies do not violate NCAA rules, but do break typical customs between NFL teams and NCAA programs. Additionally, it also blocks some of the potential exposure for Belichick's players, some of whom are eligible for the NFL Draft next spring. So far, Belichick's turn with UNC has come with more visibility than the typical college season. And so far, the 1-1 record is not quite living up to expectations: Though the Tar Heels won Saturday, theybegan the season with a blowout loss to TCU, in front ofa star-studded crowd.
