Bill Belichick is familiar with international games.
The former New England Patriots coach played four games abroad during his NFL tenure — in Mexico, Germany and London. Ahead of the Patriots' first game in London in 2009, Belichick's team practiced in a stadium designed for cricket. He didn't know what cricket was or why the arena was so circular.
When the team came back to London in 2012, Belichick settled for a different practice facility — Hyde Park. They set up cones in an open field in the public location. People walked by with their dogs, indifferent to the 50 men in gray sweatsuits practicing for their upcoming game. Belichick said it was one of the most interesting practices he's ever experienced.
"[I've] participated in 12 Super Bowls, which are very memorable," Belichick said. "But I think the international games are some of the other most memorable games that I've been in."
Now the UNC football head coach, he will be making more of these memories. The Tar Heels will travel to Dublin, Ireland to open the 2026 season against TCU in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. This marks the first time the program will go abroad and represents the increased attention North Carolina has received since hiring Belichick in December.
It's part of UNC's push to invest more in football than it has in recent memory, if ever.
Belichick's salary is double that of former head coach Mack Brown. UNC is spending $12.5 million on the football staff.
And before Belichick even takes the field for his first official game, the financial commitment has already led to increased visibility.
"This game is just another example of the kind of profile, the kind of opportunities we're hoping to have through our investment in the football program," Chancellor Lee Roberts said.
