ACC · Chapel Hill, North Carolina

North Carolina Football History

Championships, records and rivalries

2026 record2-2

Program history

UNC history

A football program in a basketball state, and the most unexpected coaching hire in the sport's recent history.

Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill aerial view showing the full stadium packed with supporters under lights — Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill - the Tar Heels home

North Carolina Tar Heels players in light blue celebrating on the field during a game — Tar Heels players celebrating on the field

Historical North Carolina football team photograph from the classic era — Tar Heels from the classic football era

Vintage North Carolina football team squad photograph — Vintage Tar Heels team photograph

UNC history

Football in Chapel Hill

North Carolina is a basketball state first, and Chapel Hill more so than most of it. That shapes the football program's position: it competes for attention and resources where another sport has the deeper claim.

Kenan Stadium sits among trees at the edge of campus, one of the more attractive settings in the ACC, and the Victory Bell against Duke is the program's closest rivalry.

UNC history

The Belichick era

North Carolina hired Bill Belichick in December 2024 as its 35th head coach. A coach with that NFL record taking a college job was without real precedent and brought attention Chapel Hill had never had.

The first season did not go well — 4-8 and no bowl game. The second carries considerably more pressure, with a full offseason to reshape the roster and Bobby Petrino brought in to run the offense.

FAQ

UNC history questions

Who coaches North Carolina?

Bill Belichick, in his second season. He was hired in December 2024 as the program's 35th head coach after a long NFL career.

How did Belichick's first season go?

North Carolina finished 4-8 and missed a bowl game, a disappointing first year that raised the pressure for 2026.

What is the Victory Bell?

The trophy contested annually between North Carolina and Duke, the program's closest rivalry.

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