Understandably, there is a perception of Bill Belichick that is not exactly positive. His gruff demeanor, from his cutoff sweatshirt and stunted responses to media questions, has become a signature trademark of the former New England Patriots coach. "We're on to Cincinnati" went viral for a reason.
Ahead of the 2025 season, Belichick's first in college, many players are reporting that he's coaching a little bit "softer" than usual. Other players gave ESPN a look at what it's like to be one of his pupils as he embarks on a new journey. One quote from a current UNC player adds to the conversation, and it portrays Belichick in a totally new light.
In mid-May, mandatory team meetings were happening for UNC football, but wide receiver Jordan Shipp's younger brother was graduating. That's a major life event, but it's not quite on the level of wedding or hospitalization or something like that.
Still, the usually grumpy Belichick refused to even entertain the idea that Shipp would miss the graduation for UNC meetings. He said it was "something you don't miss." That kind of behavior might seem counter to Belichick's persona, but Shipp says it's who he is.
"Sometimes you forget it's the greatest coach of all time," Shipp said after. "His office is always open. I can go in and watch film whenever. It's a safe space with him at all times." That is a very different, much more human look at who the UNC coach is.