With questions churning about his future as first-year Tar Heels head coach, Bill Belichick used the team's bye week to check on recruits at a high school football game.
A Washington Post sports reporter posted a photo on X of Belichick on Friday at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Maryland.
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"[Belichick's] assistant...called me on Thursday...telling me they were coming out to the game," said Good Counsel Head Coach Andy Stefanelli during a phone interview with WRAL.
The call comes less than a week after WRAL's reporting that tensions on the team are contributing to a toxic culture and Belichick's demeanor when it comes to recruiting is starting to sour people from the program.
On Friday, WRAL spoke to several sources, including high school football coaches, former UNC players, and an NIL agent who say Belichick’s demeanor when it comes to recruiting and dealing with former players is starting to sour people from the program.
The Tar Heels have a 2-3 record under Belichick.
Stefanelli said media reports about the state of UNC's program did come up during his pre-game meeting with one of Belichick's assistants.
"He did bring it up," said Stefanelli. "A 'don't believe what you're hearing' type of thing...they're kind of dealing with that internally in terms of talking to us and talking to recruits about 'Hey, things are fine. We're going to be alright.'"
This week, UNC refuted reports suggesting the school was exploring an exit strategy for Belichick.
Students say the recruiting visit could spell good news for Belichick's future with the team.
"He wouldn't be recruiting if he wasn't committed, I don't think," said UNC-Chapel Hill graduate student Andrew Riley. "Why would he waste his time? Especially in the middle of the season, he's trying to get better for next year."
One high school football coach says he always got the feeling that Belichick was only in for one season before planning to bolt for the NFL.
“The bottom line is, you’re not the only person that can coach,” said one high school football coach. “The way they came into this was somewhat arrogant and unprepared.”
For some high school recruits, they don't believe the issue is put to rest.
"I don't think it's put to bed, but it does give me confidence, maybe looking forward, we'll have a good recruiting class next year," said student Steele Bohigian.
Despite the reported turmoil, Stefanelli praised the Super Bowl-winning coach's recruiting.
"They're very thorough in what they're doing and from what I've seen, that usually translates down the road to success," said Stefanelli.
