UNC Football

Complete coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels Football.

Bill Belichick’s offensive coordinator search focusing on Chip Kelly, Bobby Petrino

UNC Football coach Bill Belichick is focusing on two other former NFL head coaches to replace fired UNC offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens. Chip Kelly, who was fired last month as Raiders offensive coordinator, previously coached the Eagles and 49ers. Petrino coached the Falcons in 2007, abruptly leaving to become head coach at Arkansas. (NBC Sports)

A look at UNC Football’s candidates for offensive coordinator

Mega Buzz: Chip Kelly: Belichick and Kelly are reported to be good friends. Chip runs an offense emphasizing the run game, which Belichick prefers. Lot of Smoke: Bobby Petrino. Supporters of this path call Petrino a “genius” and a “home run hire.“ UNC fans heard those labels frequently last December, so skepticism abounds. A ton of buzz: Andy Kotelnicki. (Tar Heel Blog)

LB Amari Gainer Signed to New England Patriots' Practice Squad

The New England Patriots have signed linebacker Amari Gainer to the practice squad. Gainer originally was signed by Las Vegas as a rookie free agent in May 2024 out of North Carolina. Gainer played in 17 games last season, mostly on special teams, and finished with 5 special teams tackles. He was released by Las Vegas on Aug. 25, 2025. (New England Patriots)

Video: IC Podcast - Retention, Culture Building a Big Task for UNC Football

UNC Football's roster reconstruction is in full swing ahead of the transfer portal opening Jan. 2nd. Inside Carolina's Greg Barnes and Tommy Ashley discuss the latest transfer portal exits and the need for retention while Bill Belichick and his staff continue to implement their culture into the program. (View Video)

Transfer Portal Offers Another Huge Challenge for Bill Belichick

There is only one transfer portal window (Jan. 2-16) in this year’s cycle, instead of the previous December and April (post-spring practice) dual editions, so it remains to be seen how well (or poorly) the Tar Heels will fare this time, but so far Bill Belichick and his staff are losing mainly players who appeared highly unlikely to help the Tar Heels in 2026. (Chapelboro.com)

UNC linebacker Tyler Thompson to enter transfer portal

UNC linebacker Tyler Thompson plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal after three seasons with the Tar Heels. Thompson has played in 27 games over the last two seasons, seeing significant time each of the last two years. This season, Tyler Thompson recorded 26 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, 7.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a pass defended. (On3.com)

UNC Football one of five ACC teams to play only eight league games next season

UNC is one of five ACC football teams that will play eight conference games and two power-conference teams in non-conference play as the league transitions to nine-game conference schedules next season. The rest of the league plays nine league games and at least one power-conference opponent. The Tar Heels will play nine ACC games in 2027. (Tar Heel Tribune)

North Carolina Football’s 2026 ACC Opponents Announced

The ACC announced UNC Football's eight-game league schedule Tuesday, headlined by four home matchups and four road games. The Tar Heels host Louisville, Miami, NC State and Syracuse, while traveling to Clemson, Duke, Pitt and Virginia in ACC action. Carolina will play Louisville for the first time since 2017 and Miami for the first time since 2023. (GoHeels.com)

Chansky’s Notebook: Coaching Cuts

Bill Belichick has fired two assistant football coaches, and UNC has agreed to pay the $2 million remaining on Freddie Kitchens' and Mike Priefer's combined guaranteed contracts. Offensive coordinator Kitchens presided over the 129th (of 134) total offenses in college football. Priefer's special teams units were in the top half of only one ACC stat category. (Chapelboro.com)

Tight End Paul Barton carries on a UNC legacy

All four Barton family kids are carrying on a Carolina legacy. Anna Barton played women’s lacrosse and won a national championship in 2022. Ellie Barton is a junior at Carolina. Jack Barton is a freshman on the men’s lacrosse team. Tight end Paul Barton also played lacrosse. And their father, Harris Barton, played at UNC and won 3 Super Bowls. (UNC.edu)

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