Rob Ninkovich expects this to be a ‘challenge’ for Bill Belichick at UNC
"I think it might be a little more difficult to get the most out of some of these kids that, let’s face it — one, two or maybe three are NFL caliber players.”
Bill Belichick’s resume as an NFL coach speaks for itself.
But the future Hall of Famer’s success at football’s highest level does not mean that his transition as a college football coach at UNC will go smoothly.
Beyond the familiar discourse (and distractions) regarding Belichick and his relationship with Jordon Hudson, Belichick will also need to adjust to the level of football prevalent at the collegiate game.
After coaching several stacked rosters in Foxborough over his 24-year run with the Patriots, Belichick might be in line for some growing pains at Chapel Hill, according to former Patriots defensive standout Rob Ninkovich.
“I was surprised that he took that job, I think we were all a little shocked and surprised,” Ninkovich said on the “Dudes on Dudes” podcast with former teammates Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski. “I think the challenge will be trying to get the most out of a less talented roster.”
Even though UNC has produced some standout NFL players over the years — be it Lawrence Taylor in the late ‘70s, Julius Peppers in the ‘90s and now Drake Maye — Ninkovich stressed that many collegiate rosters only have so many elite players in place these days.
“The worst team in the NFL is more talented, let’s just face it,” Ninkovich said. “You could have the (expletive) NFL football team and you have a roster full of studs. So I think it might be a little more difficult to get the most out of some of these kids that, let’s face it, one, two or maybe three are NFL caliber players.”
Ninkovich then asked both Edelman (Kent State) and Gronkowski (Arizona) how many of their rosters in college featured NFL-level players, with the duo both noting that around three or four of their teammates went on to the next level.
As such, Belichick will have his work cut out for him when it comes to not just building a winning culture, but having it translate on the field when the Tar Heels are not going to have the same depth in place as other powerhouse programs across college football.
“Every college team probably has three, four max, NFL caliber players,” Ninkovich said. “Some have one, some have none. If you’re at Alabama, you’re going to have eight to ten.”
But the changing landscape of college athletics could also benefit Belichick as he tries to right the ship of a football program that went 6-7 last season.
“You’re going to have to bring in some talent,” Ninkovich said. “I know that the Big-10, some of these big schools have to cut down on their roster because there are no walk-ons anymore. So if you’re Chapel Hill, you’re trying to pick those guys up through free agency.”
Belichick and UNC will open their 2025 season on Sept. 1 with a home game against TCU.
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