Bill Belichick’s introduction Saturday to Tar Heels fans wasn’t without a curious moment in the crowd.
When taking the court inside Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, the NFL legend — who was formally introduced as head coach of North Carolina’s football team Thursday — was showered with an “E-A-G-L-E-S” chant during a basketball game against La Salle, according to footage shared on social media.
It seems fans of La Salle, a university in Philadelphia, made the trip to North Carolina, where the Tar Heels topped the Explorers, 93-67.
Belichick received a warm welcome from Tar Heel Nation when he greeted the crowd at halftime.
The eight-time Super Bowl winner was joined by quarterback prospect Bryce Baker, a four-star recruit who is committed to UNC and will sign Wednesday, according to On3 Sports.
“I feel like [Belichick] will bring in the right pieces to build around me. They’re going to make me a priority,” Baker told ESPN of his decision to stay with the Tar Heels.
It’s been a whirlwind week for Belichick, 72, who officially joined the college ranks Wednesday after a nearly five-decade coaching career in the NFL.
“I’ve always wanted to coach in college football. It just never really worked out. Had some good years in the NFL, so that was OK, but this was really a dream come true. I grew up in college football with my dad, who was in it for 50 years. All I knew was college football. It’s great to be back in Carolina, an environment I grew up in,” Belichick said Thursday during his introduction press conference.
His father, Steve, was an assistant on UNC’s staff from 1953-55.
Belichick most recently served as head coach of the Patriots for 24 seasons, winning six championships in New England.
He missed out on the Falcons job during the 2024 hiring cycle and has pursued various sports media roles this season.
Prior to landing the UNC job, Belichick shockingly inquired about the Jets’ head coaching vacancy, a source relayed to The Post’s Brian Costello.
Belichick tormented the Jets for two-plus decades and infamously resigned as their head coach in 2000.
Despite this stunning development, Belichick is leaving the NFL in the rearview mirror as he begins a new chapter at UNC with girlfriend Jordon Hudson, 24, who joined him at his introductory press conference Thursday.
“I didn’t come here to leave,” he said.
