NFL Exec Questions How Bill Belichick Will React to Player Demands in Transfer Portal
As Bill Belichick embarks on his new life as UNC head coach, some are wondering how he will handle the nuances of college football that he didn't have to deal with during his legendary NFL career.
The Athletic's Mike Sando spoke to an NFL coach who questioned whether Belichick is ready to navigate the transfer portal and other cumbersome aspects of being a college football head coach in this current era.
"Bill used to put up an empty depth chart on the first day of camp, telling the guys they had to earn everything," the coach said. "How he's going to have transfers telling him they want X number of plays per game, or this many targets? What's he going to do when some kid in the portal tells him what jersey number he wants?"
Belichick will have the benefit of a general manager, as former NFL executive Michael Lombardi was hired alongside him to help revolutionize the Tar Heels football program. While it could take some time for Belichick to adjust to life at the collegiate level, there are some who are confident in his chances to succeed at UNC.
"They already understand the cap, they understand how to pay and who to pay and how to structure a roster," an NFL executive told Sando. "Colleges right now are scrambling to learn that and define that. These college coaches have really been their own GMs, and they have hired young guys to recruit. Belichick is going to be ahead."
