Bill Belichick Puts Ex-UNC Players on Blast After 1st Ranked Win as HC

Bill Belichick's first season in North Carolina didn't go to plan, as the Tar Heels finished 4-8. But UNC has gotten off to a stronger start in 2026, going 3-2 following Saturday's win over 21-17 win over Pittsburgh.

It was Belichick's first win over a ranked opponent since taking over as head coach, and he used the occasion to take a shot at some of his former players.

"Generally speaking, this team is more engaged," he told reporters. "They work harder. They're more dedicated and they put more into it, so they get more out of it. And it's important to them. Some of the players that left here, I don't know how important things were to them."

There's plenty of season left and some tough matchups on the horizon, including No. 3 Miami on Oct. 31. But the Tar Heels seem to be on a far better trajectory in 2026 than they were a year ago.