The UNC Tar Heels sent waves across the college football universe when they hired legendary head coach Bill Belichick to become the head of the program in Chapel Hill. After departing from the NFL a year ago, the six-time Super Bowl champion had been rumored to be heading back to the pros, but he opted to go the college route for the first time in his coaching career.
It was a move that rightfully shocked millions of fans. Given his track record at the next level, the move seems like the perfect match for UNC. However, he has very little experience in the NCAA and certainly isn't getting any younger. Should the Tar Heels have gone a different route? Sports personality Colin Cowherd thinks so:
Interesting.@colincowherd suggesting on the @ryenarussillo podcast that UNC should’ve hired @CoachLeipold instead of Belichick 👀#rockchalk pic.twitter.com/FQ9LiH4iE3
— Heartland College Sports (@Heartland_CS) December 21, 2024
Colin Cowherd says UNC Football should have hired Lance Leipold
Rather than hiring the accomplished Belichick, Cowherd suggested UNC should have pursued Kansas football head coach Lance Leipold. Since arriving in Lawrence in 2021, the former Wisconsin-Whitewater coach has completely turned the Jayhawks around, transforming them into a respectable school.
While Cowherd's idea makes sense on the surface, Leipold has turned down much more prestigious job offers in the past. He was reportedly considering head coaching positions at Nebraska, Washington, and even Wisconsin, which was considered his dream school. If he didn't leave Kansas for that job, it's safe to assume it would take a pretty penny to lure him down to North Carolina.
UNC is preparing for its final game of the season on Saturday in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl. Meanwhile, Kansas just missed out on bowl eligibility, finishing at a disappointing 5-7 make one year after going 9-4. Regardless, it appears set in stone that Leipold will continue to coach in Lawrence for years to come.