UNC’s Bill Belichick releases statement on NFL future originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Bill Belichick put an end to speculation about a possible NFL return, issuing a statement Friday night declaring he will not pursue any professional openings. He also reaffirmed his commitment to North Carolina.
Belichick, 73, is in his first season with the Tar Heels and has endured a rocky debut, starting 2-5 before delivering consecutive wins over Syracuse and Stanford to push UNC back toward bowl eligibility.
As NFL rumors swirled linking him to the New York Giants after the firing of Brian Daboll, the six-time Super Bowl champion head coach made clear he intends to stay in Chapel Hill.
I have great respect and genuinely care for the New York Giants organization and both the Mara and Tisch families, Belichick wrote in a statement posted to Instagram and shared by ESPNs Adam Schefter.
The New York Giants played an important role in my life and in my coaching journey However, despite circulating rumors, I have not and will not pursue any NFL head coaching vacancies.
Belichick won two Super Bowls as the Giants defensive coordinator under Bill Parcells before capturing six more titles in New England. His deep ties to New York fueled speculation, but he said his focus remains solely on the Tar Heels.
Since arriving in Chapel Hill, my commitment to the UNC football program has not wavered, he wrote. My focus remains on improving this team and building a program that makes Tar Heel fans proud.
He ended his message with a familiar tone. Were on to Wake Forest.