Bill Belichick joins ACC spring meetings as North Carolina's coach

In May 2025, Bill Belichick made a notable appearance at the Atlantic Coast Conference's spring meetings held at the Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island, Florida. This marked Belichick's first appearance as the head coach of the University of North Carolina. His entry was described as 'fashionably late' and garnered considerable attention, overshadowing other aspects of the conference's three-day event. Many conference coaches expressed their admiration for Belichick's experience, noting that having three former NFL coaches, including him, was beneficial for their discussions about college football's evolving landscape. Belichick's experience in the NFL as a highly regarded coach brought a unique perspective to the ACC, as coaches discussed changes in college football, particularly in relation to players' compensation for their names, images, and likenesses (NIL). During the meetings, Belichick limited his interviews, opting for only a few football-focused interactions with local media. His presence, however, was not unnoticed, with various coaches commenting that his celebrity status and extensive career have drawn significant media coverage to the conference itself. Notably, discussions at the meetings touched upon how many college programs are adapting strategies similar to those used in the NFL while emphasizing the importance of preparing players for professional careers. Coaches such as Rhett Lashlee from Southern Methodist University acknowledged the value of aligning college training with NFL standards. This shift demonstrates a growing recognition of how key figures from professional football like Belichick can influence collegiate athletics. Despite the distractions caused by his off-field life, including a high-profile relationship with a much younger woman which has generated considerable media interest, coaches and directors from the conference expressed optimism about Belichick's potential impact. North Carolina's athletic director, Bubba Cunningham, specifically stated that having Belichick in the ACC is beneficial not just for the University of North Carolina but also for the league overall. Through this engagement, the conference hopes to elevate its status in college football.