UNC Football Catch-all | Bill Belichick Era underway

[CFordUNC]

BB probably should have tried to hang on to a few of the transfers out, but he was left a worse roster than Mack inherited. I'm also not sure how many of those players already had a foot out the door. I don't think trying to retcon Criswell into a serviceable player works either. He was bad when he was here and his stats at East Tennessee State are bad as well. I don't think plugging him into this offense fixes anything. BB and staff clearly had a broken approach to the portal last year, though, so hopefully they learned something because we are stuck with them for another year.

I think this is a very fair rebuttal to points I've made- I really appreciate it. I'm not trying to retcon Criswell into some superstar or anything, but rather I'm saying that a guy who was going into his 6th year of college football, who had been an ACC-level starting QB (even if not a very good one), should have been given a longer look, especially once we missed on Mateer and Mendoza. I agree that Criswell wouldn't have magically made us a good team this year, but I am convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that his ability to read coverages, go through his progressions more quickly, and hit open receivers downfield would dwarf what we've seen out of Lopez. And that alone could have meant that this was a bowl eligible team this year instead of one likely headed for 4-8 against the easiest schedule we've ever played.

I also disagree that Belichick was left some awful roster. He wasn't. It wasn't a great roster by any means, obviously, but it was one comprised of players that had won 9, 8, and 6 games the three preceding seasons. Do we really think that last year's team with last year's starting QB wouldn't have been able to muster bowl eligibility this year against this schedule? I certainly think it would have.

Overall, I just have a really difficult time extending grace and patience to a staff that 1. is getting paid a stupendous amount of money, 2. came in guns blazing about being the NFL's 33rd team, 3. decided to recklessly fire our entire support staff without immediate replacements, 4. decided to jettison virtually our entire roster without first having any grasp or understanding on how the college football transfer portal works, and 5. was able to bring in 70+ of their *own* players who *they* scouted and offered themselves.

 

[heel79]

Can you repost the whole thing here or DM me? It isn't like you are reposting IC staff's content.

Sent in 2 DMs because of length.

 

[heelinhell]

A program’s all time raw win % is a mostly useless data point. The sport has changed way too much over the years for that number to mean anything. 7 wins in 2025 is not the same thing at all compared to 7 wins in 1985 or 1965, and so on.

In the context of this season where we have one of the weakest schedules in the country and a top 10 paid coaching staff, 6-6 should be considered an absolute bare minimum achievement.

You lost me on the notion that 7-5 in 2025 is somehow different than being a 7-5 program in 1985 and 1965 than the 7-5 program we have experienced in 1999 2001, 2010, 2020, and today.

Now I confess I have been day drinking since 7am so you probably made a very good point. If you could elaborate I will read your post after I sober up...

 

[Peppers49]

I view it more like an excuse than a defense. I think BB knew the impact of blowing up the dept and how difficult portal'ing would be. Saban would tell him, Jedd Fisch would tell him, his son Stephen would tell him. I still feel like he views this yr as an entire rebuild. It is self-inflicted and I doubt it surprised him.

Defense, excuse, call it whatever you want.

“Belichick intentionally blew up our recruiting apparatus and is sucking this season on purpose but it’s ultimately for the best” is definitely an interesting perspective lol.

 

[Enigma94]

I think this is a very fair rebuttal to points I've made- I really appreciate it. I'm not trying to retcon Criswell into some superstar or anything, but rather I'm saying that a guy who was going into his 6th year of college football, who had been an ACC-level starting QB (even if not a very good one), should have been given a longer look, especially once we missed on Mateer and Mendoza. I agree that Criswell wouldn't have magically made us a good team this year, but I am convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that his ability to read coverages, go through his progressions more quickly, and hit open receivers downfield would dwarf what we've seen out of Lopez. And that alone could have meant that this was a bowl eligible team this year instead of one likely headed for 4-8 against the easiest schedule we've ever played.

I also disagree that Belichick was left some awful roster. He wasn't. It wasn't a great roster by any means, obviously, but it was one comprised of players that had won 9, 8, and 6 games the three preceding seasons. Do we really think that last year's team with last year's starting QB wouldn't have been able to muster bowl eligibility this year against this schedule? I certainly think it would have.

Overall, I just have a really difficult time extending grace and patience to a staff that 1. is getting paid a stupendous amount of money, 2. came in guns blazing about being the NFL's 33rd team, 3. decided to recklessly fire our entire support staff without immediate replacements, 4. decided to jettison virtually our entire roster without first having any grasp or understanding on how the college football transfer portal works, and 5. was able to bring in 70+ of their *own* players who *they* scouted and offered themselves.

We agree on the utter failure in terms of player evaluation, particularly at QB. I didn't scout Lopez prior to his arrival at UNC, but he has shown nothing in his time here that makes me think he has some tools that are being underutilized. It's possible last year's team could be bowl eligible this year, but to me that's splitting hairs. Both teams are roughly the same level of terrible, this year's team just got off to a horrendous start and left the football on the one foot line twice in one score games. So this team "could" be bowl eligible this year absent bonehead plays. None of this excuses BB, I'm just pushing back on the notion that this is any different than what we've always seen at UNC. I understand BB is making crazy money, so that makes it worse in some sense, but I don't really care if some rich guys are pouring money into the program.

 

[CFordUNC]

Thought this was a good piece and correct. We can't make this a "good" season but we could certainly salvage it by beating our two biggest rivals, earning a bowl game and the accompanying extra practices, and being able to tangibly sell momentum to donors, fans, and recruits in the offseason. Here's to hoping!

 

[mpaer]

We agree on the utter failure in terms of player evaluation, particularly at QB. I didn't scout Lopez prior to his arrival at UNC, but he has shown nothing in his time here that makes me think he has some tools that are being underutilized. It's possible last year's team could be bowl eligible this year, but to me that's splitting hairs. Both teams are roughly the same level of terrible, this year's team just got off to a horrendous start and left the football on the one foot line twice in one score games. So this team "could" be bowl eligible this year absent bonehead plays. None of this excuses BB, I'm just pushing back on the notion that this is any different than what we've always seen at UNC. I understand BB is making crazy money, so that makes it worse in some sense, but I don't really care if some rich guys are pouring money into the program.

If the money keeps coming we may have something one day.................

 

[CFordUNC]

We agree on the utter failure in terms of player evaluation, particularly at QB. I didn't scout Lopez prior to his arrival at UNC, but he has shown nothing in his time here that makes me think he has some tools that are being underutilized. It's possible last year's team could be bowl eligible this year, but to me that's splitting hairs. Both teams are roughly the same level of terrible, this year's team just got off to a horrendous start and left the football on the one foot line twice in one score games. So this team "could" be bowl eligible this year absent bonehead plays. None of this excuses BB, I'm just pushing back on the notion that this is any different than what we've always seen at UNC. I understand BB is making crazy money, so that makes it worse in some sense, but I don't really care if some rich guys are pouring money into the program.

I hear ya! And I really appreciate the conversation.

 

[Enigma94]

Thought this was a good piece and correct. We can't make this a "good" season but we could certainly salvage it by beating our two biggest rivals, earning a bowl game and the accompanying extra practices, and being able to tangibly sell momentum to donors, fans, and recruits in the offseason. Here's to hoping!

I always hope, but I don't think it's likely this team can beat dook and ncst. Very sad. At least basketball is fun again!

 

[CFordUNC]

Does anyone know what P4 or higher level G5 quarterbacks are expected to potentially be in the portal this January January? I honestly have no clue, but I also am pretty clueless overall when it comes to recruiting anymore. I wait until they sign and show up for game one!

My assumption with the new revenue sharing is that instant impact level P4 quarterbacks are going to be pretty rare in the portal moving forward, and any that might potentially make their way in the portal are going to be exorbitantly expensive. It sounds like LaNorris Sellers may be Miami bound. I’d love CJ Bailey but I have a difficult time seeing him transferring from NC State to UNC. At the G5 level I feel like I’ve heard good things about the quarterbacks at North Texas, Old Dominion, and Western Carolina.

 

[uncjhodges]

And yet it is you questioning the messenger here. There was a lot of talk about Morris and Lombardi etc. I simply pointed out the timeline doesn't support that narrative. Nothing more. Out.

4 days is a lifetime in the transfer portal

 

[gregh1]

I also disagree that Belichick was left some awful roster. He wasn't. It wasn't a great roster by any means, obviously, but it was one comprised of players that had won 9, 8, and 6 games the three preceding seasons.

A ton graduated though.

We lost a bunch of pieces from the mediocre D to grad. 8 starters.
Our two starting safeties and Huzzie.
Power Echols
The entire starting DL and two 2nd string.
Evans, Rucker, Ritzie, Hester, Cowan, Harris

The O lost only 5 contributors to grad but they all are Pros now.
Lampkin NFL
JJ Jones and Nate Mccolumn (BOTH getting a check in the NFL)
Omarrion Hampton - NFL
Bryson Nesbitt and Copenhaver (BOTH getting a check in the NFL)

The outgoing guys didn't wind up at star programs other than Shaw, Beau, Sampson and Amare - but they wooed Amare into staying for Spring. As Enigma says, Shaw and Sampson were gone regardless.

They should've kept Rodney Lora, ideally they would've found the money for Amare and Beau - but despite those losses the D is way better than last yr's D. So i have trouble complaining too much about their roster mgt defensively DESPITE the dept implosion.

Other than Jacolby which O players that transferred are badly missed? Gavin Blackwell came to mind but he has zero catches in the yr.

 

[Peppers49]

You lost me on the notion that 7-5 in 2025 is somehow different than being a 7-5 program in 1985 and 1965 than the 7-5 program we have experienced in 1999 2001, 2010, 2020, and today.

Now I confess I have been day drinking since 7am so you probably made a very good point. If you could elaborate I will read your post after I sober up...

My point is that it’s overly simplistic to just cite a program’s all time win % and use that one data point as the baseline for what a good season looks like. That number is taking into account so many games that were played when everything about the sport was different than what it looks like today.

To elaborate, historical success (or lack thereof) should certainly be part of the equation when you’re trying to calibrate expectations. If you have a history of being great then you’re going to have more people that are willing to invest in the program, and it’s easier to attract the best coaches and players. No argument from me there.

That’s only part of it though. You also need to acknowledge other factors:

• UNC is the flagship school in a state with above average HS recruiting grounds
• It is a recognizable, attractive athletic brand
• We have the money to pay a staff top 10 level salaries and be competitive on the NIL front
• We play in a weak conference that more often than not results in very manageable schedules

With all of those things working in our favor it’s absolutely reasonable to expect to be better than just going 7-5 most years. The people that are in charge of the program clearly want more than that and believe that we are capable of it (even if I think they are going about it in the wrong way with the Belichick experiment). Time for our fans to stop selling our potential so short.

 

[CFordUNC]

A ton graduated though.

We lost a bunch of pieces from the mediocre D to grad. 8 starters.
Our two starting safeties and Huzzie.
Power Echols
The entire starting DL and two 2nd string.
Evans, Rucker, Ritzie, Hester, Cowan, Harris

The O lost
Lampkin NFL
JJ Jones and Nate Mccolumn (BOTH getting a check in the NFL)
Omarrion Hampton - NFL
Bryson Nesbitt and Copenhaver (BOTH getting a check in the NFL)

The outgoing guys didn't wind up at star programs other than Shaw, Beau, Sampson and Amare - but they wooed Amare into staying for Spring. As Enigma says, Shaw and Sampson were gone regardless.

They should've kept Rodney Lora, ideally they would've found the money for Amare and Beau - but despite those losses the D is way better than last yr's D. So i have trouble complaining too much about their roster mgt defensively DESPITE the dept implosion.

Other than Jacolby which O players that transferred are badly missed? Gavin Blackwell came to mind but he has zero catches in the yr.

Honestly, the more I think about it, and certainly your post was extremely helpful in that regard, the more I’m inclined to agree that the roster that Belichick inherited was overall not very good. I definitely was remembering it in my mind a lot better than it actually was. Still, though, I do think Belichick and Lombardi royally screwed up the evaluation and construction of *this* year’s roster, but even more than that, my concerns are just generally more so about our overall schematics, philosophy, and game management than about the actual player personnel itself. Even with its warts, I just don’t think that this year’s roster is “4-8 bad” against this particular schedule.

 

[gregh1]

Defense, excuse, call it whatever you want.

“Belichick intentionally blew up our recruiting apparatus and is sucking this season on purpose but it’s ultimately for the best” is definitely an interesting perspective lol.

It was the entire building and program, not just the recruiting apparatus. We'll see if it is for the best. If culture change happens and sticks then i'll say it was for the best. Right now it sucks donkey.

 

[gregh1]

Sent in 2 DMs because of length.

4 days is a lifetime in the transfer portal

@heel79 - a nugget you can share with ticket2ride is that relationships are also a huge factor:
Angeli had a prior relationship with the Syracuse QB coach - that QB coach is the brother of Angeli's HS coach. Angeli specifically said the pre-existing relationship was part of the draw.

@uncjhodges - Timing is meaningless in this case. UVA HC was coaching with Chad Morris at Clemson. So UVA's HC knew Chandler since he was 12... Chandler only went to UVA cuz of this relationship. The IC board's post is listing strong reasons why much of the portal (esp the good players) is less about days on the market, he makes case that dates of entry are more formality and decisions are made behind the scenes prior the actual dates of entry.


And regarding relationships, (like our relationships with Dixon and House) I've posted these previously:
Cignetti already had Alberto Mendoza (Fernando Mendoza's big bro) on his roster. Alberto was a JMU commit that followed Cignetti.
Mateer followed his prior OC/QB coach to Oklahoma
Jake Retleff, Tulane's really good xfer QB was recruited by Sumrall before he chose BYU.
Devon Dampier transferred to Utah, following his offensive coordinator Jason Beck

And prior yrs were like this too i think:
Diego Pavia went to Vandy cuz Jerry Kill, OC Tim Beck, and fellow NMSU TE teammate TE were all going there.
Demond Williams Jr xfer'd to UW to follow Jedd Fisch
etc, etc

 

[OGtruthhurts]

what good is billy the goat at $10+mil a yr if he cant steal a player from a non goat coach? arent players spose to flock toward the goat esp with all the money we have to offer also?

 

[uncjhodges]

@heel79 - a nugget you can share with ticket2ride is that relationships are also a huge factor:
Angeli had a prior relationship with the Syracuse QB coach - that QB coach is the brother of Angeli's HS coach. Angeli specifically said the pre-existing relationship was part of the draw.

@uncjhodges - Timing is meaningless in this case. UVA HC was coaching with Chad Morris at Clemson. So UVA's HC knew Chandler since he was 12... Chandler only went to UVA cuz of this relationship. The IC board's post is listing strong reasons why much of the portal (esp the good players) is less about days on the market, he makes case that dates of entry are more formality and decisions are made behind the scenes prior the actual dates of entry.


And regarding relationships, (like our relationships with Dixon and House) I've posted these previously:
Cignetti already had Alberto Mendoza (Fernando Mendoza's big bro) on his roster. Alberto was a JMU commit that followed Cignetti.
Mateer followed his prior OC/QB coach to Oklahoma
Jake Retleff, Tulane's really good xfer QB was recruited by Sumrall before he chose BYU.
Devon Dampier transferred to Utah, following his offensive coordinator Jason Beck

And prior yrs were like this too i think:
Diego Pavia went to Vandy cuz Jerry Kill, OC Tim Beck, and fellow NMSU TE teammate TE were all going there.
Demond Williams Jr xfer'd to UW to follow Jedd Fisch
etc, etc

Agreed, which is why you
1. don’t run off all the pre-existing staff and 2. don’t hire a TE coach who’s never been a college OC

There’s really no defending the staff’s offseason. It was incompetent and at 10 million a year should probably lead to a new staff. Given that our chancellor has his feelings tied to this working, it’s not going to, but there are very few signs it is going to work

 

[akillesheel]

I will give it to you, you do have some high standards. Finishing 8-5 wouldn't have been a good ending to the season, nor is a top-15 recruiting ranking. With standards that high, you must have only had a handful of satisfactory seasons in the history of UNC football.

that top-15 ranking is fool's gold borne of how much bigger this freshman class is than everybody else's - 247 uses cumulative ratings to rank teams' classes, so you can cheat the system with volume.

if you look at the classes in the same ballpark, UNC's has by far the lowest blue-chip ratio. and if you rank by average rating instead of cumulative, this class ranks 25th, which is exactly in line with the program's historical average.

 

[heelinhell]

My point is that it’s overly simplistic to just cite a program’s all time win % and use that one data point as the baseline for what a good season looks like. That number is taking into account so many games that were played when everything about the sport was different than what it looks like today.

To elaborate, historical success (or lack thereof) should certainly be part of the equation when you’re trying to calibrate expectations. If you have a history of being great then you’re going to have more people that are willing to invest in the program, and it’s easier to attract the best coaches and players. No argument from me there.

That’s only part of it though. You also need to acknowledge other factors:

• UNC is the flagship school in a state with above average HS recruiting grounds
• It is a recognizable, attractive athletic brand
• We have the money to pay a staff top 10 level salaries and be competitive on the NIL front
• We play in a weak conference that more often than not results in very manageable schedules

With all of those things working in our favor it’s absolutely reasonable to expect to be better than just going 7-5 most years. The people that are in charge of the program clearly want more than that and believe that we are capable of it (even if I think they are going about it in the wrong way with the Belichick experiment). Time for our fans to stop selling our potential so short.

Thank you and I agree with everything you say but blaming fans for selling our potential so short.

The frequent blame game has focused on not hiring the right coaches and for fans not expecting more.

I submit after hiring dozens and dozens of different coaches and staffs over the last 100 years , the problem is not hiring the wrong coaches unless we assume we have made dozens and dozens of bad coaching choices over 100 years.

I appreciate the eternal faith of "wait until next year" fans, but I don't think if 100% of the fan base had that perspective, we would turn around 100 years of history.

I don't feel fans like me are selling our potential short. I think we are fans who want to enjoy the years where we have a winning season and beat our instate rivals rather than be bitter and angry fans who want us to be Georgia, Alabama, or Ohio State.