Bill Belichick supporters far and wide came out the last 36 hours to back the legendary head coach as he took the helm at North Carolina.
Their praise, even from a famous rapper, deafened the criticism of Belichick leaving the NFL behind to take a job with a school not known for its football pedigree.
Former New England Patriots wide receiver and Super Bowl LIII MVP Julian Edelman left no doubt what camp he was in. Edelman took to Instagram on Thursday and posted a thoughtful and supportive message as Belichick begins a new venture in his illustrious coaching career.
“At his core, Coach Belichick is a teacher, a ball knower, and someone who doesn’t accept less than 100%. And it showed in the way we presented ourselves on Sunday,” Edelman wrote. “I’m excited to watch him take the UNC program to that same level, and to watch his players reap the benefits of his genius in their college careers and beyond. Congrats Coach.”
Belichick might be North Carolina’s best chance to battle alongside the powerhouses of college football just like it does on the hardwood. The Tar Heels, who haven’t won an ACC title since 1980, reportedly are making a massive financial commitment under Belichick’s stewardship to try to turn the program into a national title contender.
Belichick’s support group could pay off now that he’s back in charge of a football program. Perhaps when Belichick hits the recruiting trail and is trying to lure a player, especially a wide receiver to Chapel Hill, he can have Edelman on speed dial.
Edelman is far from the only former Patriot to think Belichick will succeed at the college level. Edelman’s Super Bowl-winning teammate Jason McCourty believes Belichick will put his “expertise” to good use with the Tar Heels.
