Nick Saban: Bill Belichick Coaching UNC Will Be 'Great Challenge' After NFL Career

Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban was happy for Bill Belichick after he agreed to become North Carolina's next head coach, but he doesn't believe that the transition from the NFL to the college level will be easy.

"I'm happy for Bill," Saban said during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show. "I think he probably wanted a new challenge and this is certainly going to be a great challenge for him. North Carolina is a great academic institution, as well as it's got plenty of athletic tradition there in basketball, football. Bill's a great coach."

"But I think the biggest thing that will be a challenge for him is the time that you have to spend recruiting, making phone calls, talking to parents and all those types of things to get the kind of players that you need," he added.

Belichick signed a five-year contract worth $50 million to join the Tar Heels on Wednesday night, taking over after former head coach Mack Brown was fired.

Personnel decisions shouldn't be too hard for the veteran coach, as Belichick served as the de facto general manager for the New England Patriots from 2000 through 2023 and oversaw six Super Bowl victories.

He'll also be joined by Michael Lombardi, who previously served as an executive with the Patriots and has NFL general manger experience. Lombardi will own the same title on the Tar Heels.

If there's anyone who knows what it takes to lead a successful college football program, it's Saban. The seven-time national champion built the Crimson Tide into one of the country's most dominant teams throughout his tenure that included six national titles.

He's also familiar with the transition between the NFL and college, as he was the head coach of the Miami Dolphins prior to taking over at Alabama.

Saban expressed his belief that Belichick is an exceptional coach, but he also knows that his work is cut out for him as he begins his new role at North Carolina.