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ESPN explains why Bill Belichick is the top coach to watch in 2025
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ESPN published a wide-ranging preview of the 2025 college football season on Thursday morning.
With 100 days to go before Week 0 begins, ESPN identified North Carolina coach Bill Belichick as the No. 1 “coach to watch” in 2025, beating out counterparts such as Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer and Penn State coach James Franklin.
Belichick has been in the news lately for non-football reasons as the drama surrounding his 24-year-old girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, seems to intensify with each passing week. Adding to that is Belichick’s legacy as an NFL head coach that includes 6 Super Bowl Championships. However, this will be his first season at the collegiate level.
Here’s an excerpt of analysis from ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg:
The most talked-about coach entering the 2025 season is a 73-year-old who has never worked at the college level, but guided the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl championships. North Carolina conducted spring practice largely in secret, but Belichick then became the story of the offseason for reasons that had little to do with football. Will his first year be desirable or disastrous? There may be no in-between as he takes over amid so many questions.
Belichick recently commented on his relationship with Hudson, stating she has “nothing to do” with UNC football. However, a report from Pablo Torre last week stated Hudson had been banned from the North Carolina football facility.
The on-field drama might prove to be just as compelling as the 73-year-old Belichick looks to take North Carolina football to the next level. UNC signed the nation’s No. 9-ranked transfer portal class this offseason, per 247Sports Composite rankings.
The Tar Heels will open the 2025 season against TCU on Sept. 1.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
