North Carolina defensive coordinator Steve Belichick was absent from the Tar Heels’ open practice Thursday in Dublin, Ireland, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.
There is growing belief that Steve Belichick may not have traveled with the team to Ireland at all, although UNC officials have not confirmed or denied that information as the program prepares for its season opener against TCU.
If Steve Belichick is unable to be on the sideline Saturday, expectations are that his father and Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick will take over defensive play-calling duties.
Bill Belichick has plenty of experience handling defensive responsibilities. He served as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants’ two Super Bowl-winning teams during the 1980s and later held the same position with the New York Jets from 1997-99. Since then, he has primarily worked as a head coach, most notably spending 24 seasons with the New England Patriots and winning six Super Bowls.
Despite moving into the head-coaching role, Belichick has always maintained that he remained involved with his teams’ defenses. During a Monday press conference, he explained that he has previously called plays on offense, defense and special teams when necessary.
Steve’s absence has been a developing situation for UNC throughout preseason camp. On July 29, the first day of training camp, he was scheduled to speak with reporters but was unable to do so after reportedly feeling ill.
The situation became more significant on Aug. 6 when Bill Belichick revealed that his son had been placed on medical leave, though he provided no timetable for Steve’s return.
Bill was asked about Steve again Monday and whether the coaching staff had determined how his defensive responsibilities would be handled. The longtime NFL coach once again declined to provide details.
“There are no updates,” Bill said, adding that he would not discuss the situation and that the staff would “work it out.”
With Saturday’s matchup against TCU approaching, uncertainty surrounding UNC’s defensive coordinator has now become one of the biggest storylines heading into the Tar Heels’ season opener.
