CFB Week 0 Opens With Bill Belichick Watch

The first game of the 2024 college football season kicked off with a visit from Bill Belichick, the seven-time Super Bowl champion and 24-year veteran head coach of the New England Patriots. Belichick took the reins of the University of North Carolina's football program, joining a team that had already faced controversy and struggles in the previous season. The six-time Super Bowl-winning coach signed a five-year, $50 million contract, signaling his commitment to the Tar Heels.

Belichick’s arrival was met with fanfare, but his debut couldn't have gone worse as UNC suffered a 48-14 loss to TCU. The offense struggled, and the team found itself towards the bottom of the ACC, ineligible for a bowl game. Off the field, the program faced further scrutiny, with questions surrounding the continued involvement of head coach Belichick's girlfriend and business partner, Jordon Hudson. There were also allegations and controversy surrounding a trip to Saudi Arabia for possible funding.

In the offseason, the drama seemed to subside, and Belichick helped assemble a top-15 recruiting class for the 2026-27 season. However, the summer of 2024 brought fresh controversy when head coach Michael Lombardi was placed on administrative leave following a personnel complaint investigation. Additionally, UNC's defensive coordinator and Belichick's son, Steve Belichick, was out on indefinite medical leave since early August.

As the season began, UNC faced the same team that had blown them out during the last year's season opener. With a chance to start the season on the right foot, Bill Belichick now had the opportunity to redeem himself and start his debut campaign with a positive note.