UNC football players aren’t buying into Bill Belichick’s long-term approach

Bill Belichick’s new college team was pounded again on Saturday, and North Carolina’s home stadium was practically empty by halftime.

The frustration already is mounting with some of the Tar Heels players, who were hoping for immediate success under the legendary NFL coach rather than a patient rebuilding plan.

“I’m not here to rebuild, I’m here to win football games,” sophomore receiver Jordan Shipp said following Saturday’s 38-10 home loss to Clemson, according to ESPN. “That’s why I’m here.

“Whatever they’re doing with the donors, that has nothing to do with me. I’m here to win football games and that’s what 100% of my focus is on.”

UNC is 2-3 overall under the 73-year-old Belichick, but the Heels have been destroyed in all three games against power conference schools — TCU, Central Florida and Clemson — losing by a combined score of 120-33.

They trailed 28-3 in the first quarter on Saturday, and many fans at Kenan Stadium departed by halftime.

“The main thing we need to do is to keep doing what we’re doing but do them better,” Belichick said. “Fundamentally, we’re not doing the wrong things, we’re just not doing them well enough.

“It’s a lack of concentration, and part of that is coaching, too, so I’ll take my share of the responsibility.”

Football program GM Mike Lombardi recently had sent a letter to donors that was released publicly this week in which he described this season as a “rebuilding” year. Belichick was hired following a 6-7 season in 2024 under Mack Brown and Freddie Kitchens, including a loss to UConn in the Fenway Bowl.

“We’re honest with [recruits], honest that we’re building, and if you want to be a part of a program that’s being built, then we’re here for you,” Belichick said.

Belichick, whose team plays next at California on Oct. 17, stressed that he doesn’t expect to make on-field personnel changes based on long-term goals.

“The guys who deserve to play are going to play,” Belichick said. “I’m not going to base it on how old they are or whatever. Guys that play the best deserve to play. We’ll see how that goes.

“My expectations are to come in and have a good week this week and get ready for Cal.”