New England Patriots - NESN.com
The rumors about Bill Belichick leaving North Carolina and returning to the NFL aren’t going to stop anytime soon. Even though the former New England Patriots head coach recently released a statement reaffirming his commitment to UNC and denying any interest in the NFL, crazier things have happened.
With new reports surfacing that multiple NFL teams are interested in pursuing Belichick for the 2026 season, the buzz is only growing louder.
But what does ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter have to say about all of the noise. Mostly that it’s just that: noise.
Schefter appeared as a guest on WEEI radio on Wednesday and poured cold water on the notion that Belichick will return to the NFL anytime soon, much less in 2026.
“I don’t know what to say about (the rumors), to be honest with you,” Schefter said. “I just don’t know real it is or isn’t, and I don’t know how interested he is or isn’t in going (back) to the NFL. I think it’s a lot of noise more than it is anything else.”
“I don’t really like some of these proclamations (about Belichick),” Schefter added.
Belichick’s leap to the college sidelines brought instant buzz to North Carolina football, but the 2025 campaign has tested the legend’s adaptability in ways few anticipated. As the regular season winds down, Belichick’s squad sits at 4-7, eyeing a final rivalry clash with NC State on Saturday that could salvage some pride.
A victory would cap the year at 5-7 and snap a four-game skid in the series against NC State, offering Belichick an awesome final win amid a season of turbulence.
