6 Former Patriots Who Could Follow Bill Belichick to UNC

4. Josh McDaniels

This name isn't a shocker. Josh McDaniels best moments as an NFL coach have been on Bill Belichick's coaching staff.

McDaniels got his first opportunity in the NFL in New England during the 2001 season as a personnel assistant. He leveled his way up the ranks, where he eventually became the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

Throughout his time with the Pats, he racked up six Super Bowl championships (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLIX, LI, LIII).

McDaniels got two head coaching opportunities (Denver Broncos & Las Vegas Raiders) but neither spot worked out. He was fired from both and re-joined New England in 2012 after he was axed by Denver. McDaniels was fired by Las Vegas in 2023 but didn't get a chance to head back to New England, as Belichick was let go himself.

The 48-year-old is currently without a job and is someone who could land on Belichick's offensive staff in Chapel Hill. These two have built an outstanding friendship and that could place them back together.

5. Matthew Slater

Matthew Slater is a Patriot legend. He had a 16-year career with New England. During his time there, he was a special teams ace. He was a 13-time team captain and notched 10 Pro Bowl appearances.

He won three Super Bowls there (XLIX, LI, LIII) and played in 25 postseason games, which is the eighth-most in team history.

Slater retired in 2024 and immediately became a special assistant to the head coach. He has a hunger to stay involved in the game and may be an option that Belichick poaches. A chance at North Carolina could give him more opportunities to grow. Which could apply to him and Belichick.

6. Stephen Belichick

This one is probably the most obvious one on the list. Bill's son, Stephen Belichick is a name to watch. The 37-year-old was on New England's defensive coaching staff for multiple seasons. From 2012-2023, he held different positions with some gaps in between.

Nonetheless, he was a three-time SB champ (XLIX, LI, LIII) and had a voice in defensive rooms. Stephen eventually left New England to become the defensive coordinator at Washington University in 2024.

Before taking the job at UNC, Bill gave the school a 400-page "organizational bible" that had requests, that included his son Stephen being named his successor when the 72-year-old eventually leaves.

There is a great chance that Stephen will be named the defensive coordinator under his father while they look to transform the Tar Heel program.

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