Bill Belichick’s ‘no expectations’ approach at UNC is the anti-Deion Sanders, Colorado model, says SI reporter | Sporting News

With spring practices underway in Chapel Hill, the reality of Bill Belichick taking over as North Carolina's head coach is finally settling in.

The Tar Heels began spring workouts on Tuesday, and Belichicks fingerprints were immediately evident.

Players wore numberless, nameless jerseys , with only the color white distinguishing the defense from the offenses baby blue jerseys.

Sports Illustrateds Pat Forde , along with about 40 other media members, was given exclusive access to observe 15 minutes of UNCs practice on Wednesday.

"This was the most curiosity North Carolina spring football has ever produced, without question," Forde wrote.

Aside from the jersey changes, Forde noted that the session mostly consisted of "mundane stuff," but it was clear this was Belichicks operation.

Now, the challenge begins.

Belichick inherits a 6-7 team that has historically struggled to meet even modest expectations.

His task? Not just making them competitive but living up to the label general manager Michael Lombardi gave them: the 33rd NFL team.

But according to Forde, Belichick isnt putting any expectations on his new squad.

"I really don't have any expectations," Belichick said.

That approach is a stark contrast to Deion Sanders, whom Forde described as "the last stunning hire in college football," before Belichick.

"Belichick, not any player, is the Louis Vuitton in this unprecedented move from professional legend status to a first-time college gig," Forde wrote.

"What he can do with the '33rd NFL team' in Year 1 will be the most fascinating storyline in the sport." When Sanders arrived in Boulder in 2023, he made waves with his brash, unapologetic approachfamously telling Colorado players to pack their bags because "I'm bringing my luggage, and its Louis." Sanders made bold proclamations that the Buffaloes would compete immediately, telling all who would hear, "We coming," but then finished 4-8 in Year 1 before improving to 9-4 in Year 2.

Belichick, however, is the complete opposite of Sanders in nearly every way.

Both were shocking hires, both took over historically underperforming programs, and both are tasked with rebuilding them in a competitive college football landscape.

But thats where the similarities end.

While Sanders came in with bravado, Belichick is taking a methodical, no-expectations approach.

What that means for North Carolina remains to be seenbut its already one of the most intriguing storylines of the college football season..

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