Nick Saban weighs in on Bill Belichick potentially coaching in college
"It is a little bit more like pro football."
In a surprising twist, it’s been reported that Bill Belichick has interviewed to become the head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels.
Time will tell whether the potential partnership gains traction, but it appears Belichick is seriously considering the opportunity.
His close friend, former Alabama coach Nick Saban, provided some insight into why that might be the case. Saban, speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, said the lines between college and the NFL have been blurred.
Saban said the main component that would be different is recruiting, but it’s not quite as different as it used to be.
“Relationship building is not as important, not that Bill wouldn’t be good at that,” Saban said. “It’s not as important now that you pay players. I think it becomes a little bit more about the money, and the deal that you make with them. So, it is a little bit more like pro football.”
Saban said he thinks Belichick knows how to manage that aspect and “would do a good job.”
“Bill’s an outstanding coach,” Saban said. “He’s very well organized. He’s a good teacher. I think he relates well with the players. I think he would do a great job in college.”
Saban didn’t seem shocked to hear that there may be some mutual interest.
“It doesn’t surprise me, when you have a coach of his caliber, quality, consistency, and success for a lot of years, that it would be somebody that people would consider,” Saban said.
Meanwhile, Peter of FOX Sports said the Tar Heels met with Belichick a second time in New York. While many are skeptical that it could actually happen, Schrager isn’t ruling it out.
He pointed out that Belichick’s son, Stephen Belichick, is the defensive coordinator at the University of Washington. Belichick has reportedly negotiated a potential succession plan that would include the Tar Heels hiring Stephen once Belichick retires.
Schrager added that Belichick has a “think tank of sorts,” with Matt Patricia and Josh McDaniels both out of work at the moment.
“I’m told Belichick is as in tune with the Draft and the college game as anybody right now,” Schrager said.
He said UNC isn’t going to sit around and wait until the NFL regular season is done and will want an answer soon.
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