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6 Former Patriots Who Could Follow Bill Belichick to UNC

By Richard Louis

After 24 seasons as the New England Patriots' head coach, Bill Belichick is trying his hand as a TV analyst during the 2024 NFL season. He is also currently a candidate to become the next UNC football coach.
After 24 seasons as the New England Patriots' head coach, Bill Belichick is trying his hand as a TV analyst during the 2024 NFL season. He is also currently a candidate to become the next UNC football coach. / Bob Breidenbach / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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2. James White

Former running back James White was drafted in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Pats. White was a consistent contributor during the Pats dynasty run. The Wisconsin product finished his career with 1,278 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns. He added 3,278 receiving yards and 25 receiving scores.

White secured three Super Bowl titles (XLIX, LI, LIII) and was named to the Patriots All-2010s Team. The 32-year-old was one of the most reliable players of his time for the Pats. He retired in 2022 but got into college coaching this season.

This August, he joined NIU's coaching staff in a player personnel role.

This highlights his desire to still be involved with football. He had the trust of Belichick as a player and may have that same respect as a coach. These two guys could collaborate and join forces in North Carolina. If Belichick came calling, White would certainly entertain it.

3. Danny Amendola

Danny Amendola is another former player to keep an eye on to potentially join Belichick at UNC. Amendola played under Belichick from 2013-2017, where he secured two Super Bowl titles (XLIX, LI).

During his time in New England, he logged 2,383 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. He was a dependable weapon in the playoffs, where he finished with 57 catches for 709 yards and six touchdowns.

Amendola officially retired from the NFL in 2022 and got a taste of coaching in 2023 with the Las Vegas Raiders. He was an assistant that helped with returners but stepped away after the season.

He said, "I think I’m good on the coaching thing for a little bit. I wanted to get in and kind of see what it was all about. I’m really glad I did it. I think I retired my whistle for now."

The key word in that statement is "for now." There is less pressure in the college space, and he may be interested in getting a new gig if Belichick comes calling. He developed a great rapport with Tom Brady during his time in New England and clearly had a positive relationship with Belichick, as he was around for five seasons.

He's someone else to keep an eye.

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