Bill Belichick to Call Defensive Plays for UNC vs. TCU

By Cameron Tate

Bill Belichick will call defensive plays for North Carolina in their season opener against TCU, following his son Steve Belichick's medical leave. Steve, the team's defensive coordinator, has been on leave since August 6, 2026, with no confirmed timeline for his return.

With no interim coordinator appointed, Bill Belichick, who last called defensive plays full-time in 2019 with the New England Patriots, will take on the responsibility. During that season, the Patriots led the NFL in total yards allowed, scoring defense, and ranked highly in both passing and rushing defense.

Defensive line coach Bob Diaco has led the defensive game-planning for the week, but the game-day play-calling will be handled by Bill Belichick. This arrangement was confirmed by CBS Sports and other outlets.