Bill Belichick reportedly makes major staff changes after disappointing North Carolina debut
By Luke Greco
Published:
It was a year to forget for Bill Belichick and North Carolina, with more attention being given to Belichick’s relationship off the field than UNC’s production on the field. However, changes have begun in Chapel Hill.
Chief among them? Freddie Kitchens will not return as UNC’s offensive coordinator in 2026.
The news was first reported by InsideCarolina on Friday. Kitchens had Carolina’s offense ranked 120th in yards per play, 121st in scoring offense, and 129th in total offense. The Tar Heels could not run the ball efficiently, only gaining 3.7 yards per rush. They could not push the ball down the field. Quarterback Gio Lopez’s highest yardage through the air was 216 against Syracuse. The Tar Heels needed a shake-up on the offense.
InsideCarolina also reported on Friday that Belichick has parted ways with Mike Priefer, the team’s special teams coordinator. Priefer had been with the Tar Heels since 2023 and helped coach the team in their Fenway Bowl loss in 2024.
UNC had multiple special teams issues down the stretch. The Tar Heels let Duke run a fake field goal to help set up a late winning touchdown. They also let NC State run a fake punt for a first down the following week.
Many eyes will be on Belichick as he enters his second season as the head coach of the Tar Heels.
