Bill Belichick to North Carolina: Lawrence Taylor, Mike McCarthy and the football world react to a surprising decision

The news that Bill Belichick is reportedly set to become the new head coach at North Carolina instead of pursuing one of the NFL coaching positions has rocked the sports world.

Belichick’s move to Chapel Hill is surprising for several reasons, as he has reportedly agreed to a three-year deal. The assumption was that the six-time Super Bowl winner (with two assistant titles) would remain in familiar NFL territory. At 72, Belichick is also older than one would expect for a program like UNC, which could take several years to advance to the College Football Playoff.

But when you look at all the attention this decision is attracting, it’s clear why North Carolina would risk hiring someone who has never coached in college before and is seemingly unfamiliar with the effort involved in recruiting players recruit those necessary for success.

Someone who would probably be an authority on Belichick and North Carolina is former NFL linebacker Lawrence Taylor. Taylor was an All-American at UNC and played under Belichick for most of his Hall of Fame career with the New York Giants.

“UNC stock just went up!!!” Taylor texted longtime NFL reporter Gary Myers. Apparently, Taylor was among the people Belichick consulted when deciding whether to take the job.

Of course, such an unconventional take led to jokes such as Belichick resembling UNC’s dour Tar Heel logo.

Changing the name of Chapel Hill to “Chapel Bill” was also a popular response.

Many observers wondered why exactly Belichick would choose to end his college career, which may or may not impact his legacy. For example, it is very unlikely that he will pass Don Shula for the most wins by an NFL head coach, which was probably important to him.

Several pointed out that for Belichick, it’s simply about coaching football, not analyzing it or making comments in the media. Author David Halberstam noted this about Belichick in his 2005 book “The Education of a Coach.”

Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy reiterated the “coaches want to coach” mindset and praised both UNC and Belichick (who many thought could replace McCarthy).

Belichick reportedly visited several college coaches to learn during his year off the sidelines. He has consulted with college coaches throughout his career, including former Alabama coach Nick Saban, former Ohio State and Florida coach Urban Meyer and current Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk is among those who have questioned whether some of those coaches would have been so open had they known Belichick would be moving on to the college game.

Another perspective on the question of legacy is that Belichick may see coaching at North Carolina as a way to bring his family’s coaching history full circle.

Belichick’s father, Steve, coached running backs at UNC from 1953 to 1955. If, as expected, Belichick adds his son Stephen, currently defensive coordinator at Washington, to his staff, the branches of his family tree at the school could expand even further.

Others wondered whether Belichick would get the band back together in Chapel Hill and hire several of his former assistants — including Charlie Weis and Joe Judge — and players to his staff.

Before Belichick’s hiring became official, current Patriots quarterback and UNC alum Drake Maye thought the coach and school were a good fit.

“A legendary coach, with the success he had here,” said Maye. “What a great place Chapel Hill is…I think Coach is going to love Chapel Hill.”

Patriots receiver Kendrick Bourne, who played for Belichick for three seasons, offered some advice on what the Tar Heels’ student-athletes should expect from a “tough coach.”

“Stay tough,” Bourne told reporters on Wednesday. “Have a determined mindset because it won’t be easy.”

“Just don’t miss class,” he added.