Tar Heel Times

Bobby Petrino outlines plan to rebuild UNC's offense

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:37:00 -0400

Bobby Petrino arrived in Chapel Hill with a simple job description and a complicated assignment. UNC's offensive coordinator is here to run the Tar Heels’ offense, call plays, and help turn last season’s struggles into a productive unit. He is also doing it alongside Bill Belichick, a partnership Petrino said has sharpened his approach during spring practice.

How UNC Athletics Raised $1.2 Million For Community Kids

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 08:18:00 -0400

Friday marked the fifth annual "Heels at the Rabbit Hole Spring Event," a fundraiser hosted by Rams Club vice chair Vaughn Moore, in support of TABLE Ministries, a nonprofit committed to fighting hunger and food insecurity in Orange County. Guests included Bill Belichick, Michael Malone, Sam Howell, Drake Maye, Tyler Hansbrough, and many more.

UNC Athletics Celebrates Year Of Excellence At 2026 Rammy Awards

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:31:00 -0400

In a year full of highlights in athletics and in the classroom, UNC student-athletes ditched their uniforms and came out in style to celebrate a year for the record books at the 2026 Rammy Awards at Memorial Hall. All of UNC's 28 varsity programs, as well as coaches, staff, band, and spirit, walked across the Carolina Blue carpet prior to Monday's festivities.

Caleb Pickrell Now Listed as North Carolina’s Tight Ends Coach

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 22:29:00 -0400

Former offensive assistant Caleb Pickrell is now officially listed as North Carolina’s tight ends coach in his profile page on the school’s website. Pickrell has spent the past four seasons in Chapel Hill as an offensive assistant and analyst. He worked with the offensive line in 2022 before transitioning to assist with the tight ends over the last three seasons.

Offensive Lineman Christo Kelly has 'Deeper Sense of Gratitude' in his Final Spring

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 09:02:00 -0400

Finally healthy and rolling through spring practice, North Carolina offensive lineman Christo Kelly cannot wait for the games to arrive. "Feel great. A hundred percent. It was obviously a tough go last year. It was tough waking up every day wanting to give everything I have to this team, seeing how much guys put it. And just not being able to go is tough."

Melkart Abou Jaoude Ready to Lead UNC's Defense After Breakout Season

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:38:00 -0400

Following a breakout season that earned Melkart Abou Jaoude second-team All-ACC honors, the defensive lineman opted to remain at UNC for his redshirt senior season, aiming to build on a year that established him as one of the conference’s most disruptive front-line defenders. "I’ve got a lot of love for UNC, the opportunity they gave me last year."

Which Young Football Tar Heels Are Standing Out?

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:40:00 -0400

UNC defensive end Melkart Abou-Jaoude was asked which true freshmen have stood out to him on defense. Almost right away, "David Jackson" emanated from his lips. "David Jackson on the D-line, I like him," Abou-Jaoude said. "He's a very violent player, high motor. That's the one that's stood out to me the most." "Everybody is buying into the program."

UNC Football Players, Staff More Comfortable This Time Around

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:01:00 -0400

Bill Belichick said the UNC Football program is way ahead of this time a year ago. That goes for the players, too. "Having that camaraderie already built. Having that trust and that leadership that was already here last year," said junior wide receiver Jordan Shipp. "That's going to help us and has already put us light-years ahead of where we were last year."

Carolina Insider Podcast: Basketball Updates, Spring Football, Youssef Shamel, Jason Kosmicki

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:46:00 -0400

Transfer portal season means uncertainty for UNC Basketball (4:25). Spring football is underway as the Tar Heels look for big improvement (15:19). Denver Nuggets play-by-play man Jason Kosmicki discusses Michael Malone's tenure in Denver (32:31). And Fencing national champion Youssef Shamel joins (43:52).

Patriots QB Drake Maye motivated by 'humbling' Super Bowl defeat

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 11:22:00 -0400

"I think that's the biggest thing about it: It's humbling. You've got to get back to work. When you're so close and within reach, you want that feeling. Everybody says, 'You'll be back.' It's not that easy. So, we've got to get back to work, and I'm looking forward to trying to prove to myself we can get back and just have another year to get a chance at it."

Newsletter: Michael Malone Hired, UNC and the Transfer Portal, Maximo Adams still a Tar Heel

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:08:00 -0400

What a week! Michael Malone was hired as UNC’s new Men’s Basketball coach, the transfer portal is in overdrive, Maximo Adams is still a Tar Heel, Bill Belichick went Bananas, Women’s Basketball landed three commitments, there was a Softball no-hitter, a new Baseball commitment, and more in this week's newsletter.

Melkart Abou Jaoude Takes Nothing for Granted, it's the Work that Counts

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 17:05:00 -0400

In the modern era of transfer portal, NIL, and poaching, it was a bit of a surprise that Melkart Abou Jaoude remained at UNC for his final season of college football. The 260-pound defensive terror off the edge probably could have gone anywhere; certainly programs with pedigrees for winning at a level higher than what has been the norm at UNC.

Savannah Bananas put Bill Belichick to work during Chapel Hill stop

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:16:00 -0400

On Saturday, Bill Belichick took a break from spring practice at UNC to try his hand at coaching first base for the Savannah Bananas, who took on the Texas Tailgaters in the first of a two-game series at Kenan Stadium. The eternally grumpy Belichick was in great spirits, doffing his cap to the crowd while sporting a cut-off hoodie with a Bananas logo.

Tar Heel Football Odds & Ends

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:33:00 -0400

UNC wide receiver Jordan Shipp made a point of getting to know Billy Edwards as soon as the former Maryland and Wisconsin quarterback arrived in Chapel Hill. Edwards, who is 6-foot-3 and 228 pounds, started the opener last season at Wisconsin but suffered a PCL injury, sidelining him until week four. "Billy's a great guy, a great player," Shipp said.

Why defensive end Melkart Abou-Jaoude chose to stay at UNC

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:21:00 -0400

UNC defensive end Melkart Abou-Jaoude had opportunities elsewhere this offseason, but chose to remain at UNC because of his belief in the program and the relationships he built last season. He pointed to the opportunity Carolina gave him in 2025, his connection with his teammates, and his desire to help the Tar Heels continue in the right direction.

Will Hardy Named To NFF Hampshire Honor Society

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:01:00 -0400

UNC defensive back Will Hardy has been named to the National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society, the organization announced Wednesday. Hardy played in 51 career games during his time in Chapel Hill, starting 16 games including all 12 last season. He served as one of the team captains and finished third on the team in tackles with 53.

UNC Offensive Coordinator Bobby Petrino's Contract Made Public

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 08:49:00 -0400

North Carolina has released its employment agreement with offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, who signed a two-year deal valued at $2.35 million on Feb. 16, 2026. The contract runs through Jan. 5, 2028. The former Arkansas and Louisville head football coach, who turned 65 last month, will make $1 million this year and $1.35 million in 2027-28.

Bill Belichick’s happy classroom checks, Christo Kelly’s hardest season, and UNC’s spring reset

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 08:45:00 -0400

Bill Belichick was grinning as if he had just won another Super Bowl. UNC offensive lineman Christo Kelly and a teammate were walking to class when they spotted their coach coming the other direction. "Coach, what were you up to?" Kelly asked. Belichick had been checking classrooms, making sure his players were where they were supposed to be.

UNC Defensive Coordinator Steve Belichick Focuses on Daily Improvement in Spring Practice

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 06:21:00 -0400

North Carolina defensive coordinator Steve Belichick met with reporters ahead of the Tar Heels' seventh spring football practice on Tuesday. Belichick discussed what he has seen from UNC's defense thus far this spring, the difference between FCS and Power Conference play, and more. Here are video and key takeaways from Belichick's press conference.

Offensive Lineman Christo Kelly Emphasizes Leadership, Growth, and Continuity for UNC Football

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:29:00 -0400

Offensive lineman Christo Kelly met with the media during UNC Football's spring press conference this week and emphasized growth, both personally and program-wide, as the Tar Heels continue spring practice. Kelly said continuity is a key difference this spring, with returning players now able to "speak the same language" and operate more efficiently.