CHAPEL HILL — UNC football defensive coordinator Steve Belichick remains on medical leave and it's uncertain if he'll be with the Tar Heels in Ireland. Head coach Bill Belichick didn't provide an update on his son's status Monday, Aug_ABBR. 24, during a press conference inside the Kenan Football Center. UNC leaves for Dublin on Wednesday, Aug_ABBR. 26, to prepare for the opening game of the 2026 college football season against TCU. " No updates," Belichick said.
When asked about defensive playcalling duties, Belichick added he's "not really going to talk about that situation" and "we'll work it out. " It’s been just over two weeks since Belichick announced Steve was away from the program with a “medical situation,” adding he looked forward to getting Steve back “as soon as possible.” BOLD PREDICTIONS FOR UNC: UNC football won't be as bad as you think, and other bold predictions for 2026 EARLY INFO ON IRELAND: When does UNC play TCU this week?
Game time, date, TV, prediction UNC-TCU UPDATES: UNC vs TCU: Odds, injuries, predictions and key matchups If Steve Belichick is missing from the sideline, Bill Belichick is likely to take over play-calling for the defense. Asked if he's ever called plays as a head coach, Bill Belichick said "absolutely" and elaborated on his experience. " As a head coach, I've called plays on offense, defense and the kicking game" he said. " But we have, again, a really good staff.
I have a lot of confidence in them. But if I need to do anything, I feel confident in doing it. " Defensive line coach Bob Diaco also has history as a defensive coordinator, having served in that role at Notre Dame, Nebraska, Louisiana Tech and Purdue. Diaco won the Broyles Award as the nation’s top assistant coach in 2012 with the Fighting Irish. Cornerbacks coach Armond Hawkins, inside linebackers coach Jamie Collins, outside linebackers coach Ty Nichols, defensive assistant Manny Miles and defensive backs coach Brian Belichick – Steve's brother – round out UNC’s defensive coaches. "
Again, I have a lot of confidence in our staff," Bill Belichick said. " They can handle a multitude of duties. " Despite finishing with a 4-8 record, UNC showed progress defensively throughout the 2025 season. Melkart Abou Jaoude led the ACC in sacks and the Tar Heels were one of two teams in the ACC to limit opponents to 21 points or fewer in four consecutive games. UNC, which hadn't accomplished that feat since 2000, was particularly stout in the red zone.
773 mark with 23 touchdowns in 44 trips inside the 20-yard line. Rodd Baxley covers North Carolina Tar Heels athletics for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Got questions regarding UNC? Send them to rbaxley@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Will Steve Belichick miss UNC football vs TCU game in Ireland?
