North Carolina fans welcomed 2025 with great expectations that Bill Belichick would boost their football program. However, after five games, the Tar Heels are encountering major hurdles, particularly against Power Four teams. Some fans are starting to get restless, asking if simply having the right coach is enough. With losses stacking up and frustration increasing, an important question emerges: Can UNC’s football program flourish without major support from key alumni and boosters?
Bill Belichick faces brutal reality as UNC boosters hesitate to bankroll football like basketballBelichick took over a program from Mack Brown that finished 8-5 in 2024 but was short on top-tier talent. He added 70 new players through transfers and recruiting, looking to implement his disciplined, NFL-style methods. However, in the NIL era , where players can profit from endorsements, UNC's football collective is falling behind giants like Ohio State and Oregon .
Chad Johnson pointed this out on Nightcap, stating that Belichick's achievements "at the highest level" in the NFL show he's qualified, but he requires financial support to attract the best recruits.
Fans are feeling the heat, with social media dubbing this season a "complete dumpster fire." There are even calls for Belichick to be let go mid-season, but his contract makes that a pricey move.
Chad Johnson claims UNC has the right coach but lacks financial backingDuring the Nightcap podcast on October 4, 2025, Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson talked about UNC's latest loss, which was a 38-10 blowout by the Clemson Tigers on that very day. Chad Johnson, a former wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals , called on UNC boosters to heavily invest in the program to support Belichick.
"If you’re a UNC booster, you need to open up your pocketbook… You got to pay to play. You got to pay to win. You have the right man for the job… All you need now is the backing. The backing has to come from the sponsors, from those with big pockets on the outside that graduated there," Chad Johnson said directly on the podcast.
Chad Johnson specifically aimed at Michael Jordan , the six-time NBA champion and UNC alum who played for the Tar Heels between 1981 and 1984. Looking at Jordan's estimated net worth of $3 billion, Chad Johnson playfully remarked, "Tell me who’s the richest person right now that went to the University of North Carolina? One of arguably the greatest basketball players ever." He suggested Jordan could "help with that NIL situation" to accelerate the rebuild, framing it as a test of loyalty to his alma mater.
Sharpe, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and former tight end for the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens, pushed back immediately. "People with long money like to invest in things they like… What does Michael Jordan like? [Basketball and golf]. What is North Carolina known for? [Basketball]," Sharpe countered on the same episode, pointing out that Jordan's passions align more with UNC's storied basketball program than football.
Also Read: Nikola Jokic stunned by Cam Johnson’s “really pretty” shot as Denver Nuggets rebuild for another title
Bill Belichick faces brutal reality as UNC boosters hesitate to bankroll football like basketballBelichick took over a program from Mack Brown that finished 8-5 in 2024 but was short on top-tier talent. He added 70 new players through transfers and recruiting, looking to implement his disciplined, NFL-style methods. However, in the NIL era , where players can profit from endorsements, UNC's football collective is falling behind giants like Ohio State and Oregon .
Chad Johnson pointed this out on Nightcap, stating that Belichick's achievements "at the highest level" in the NFL show he's qualified, but he requires financial support to attract the best recruits.
Fans are feeling the heat, with social media dubbing this season a "complete dumpster fire." There are even calls for Belichick to be let go mid-season, but his contract makes that a pricey move.
Chad Johnson claims UNC has the right coach but lacks financial backingDuring the Nightcap podcast on October 4, 2025, Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson talked about UNC's latest loss, which was a 38-10 blowout by the Clemson Tigers on that very day. Chad Johnson, a former wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals , called on UNC boosters to heavily invest in the program to support Belichick.
Welcome to Chapel Hill, Bill Belichick!
— UNC Tar Heels (@GoHeels) December 12, 2024
The eight-time Super Bowl Champion has officially been named our next @UNCFootball Head Coach. #GoHeels x #ChapelBill pic.twitter.com/cnngQI7gnC
"If you’re a UNC booster, you need to open up your pocketbook… You got to pay to play. You got to pay to win. You have the right man for the job… All you need now is the backing. The backing has to come from the sponsors, from those with big pockets on the outside that graduated there," Chad Johnson said directly on the podcast.
Chad Johnson specifically aimed at Michael Jordan , the six-time NBA champion and UNC alum who played for the Tar Heels between 1981 and 1984. Looking at Jordan's estimated net worth of $3 billion, Chad Johnson playfully remarked, "Tell me who’s the richest person right now that went to the University of North Carolina? One of arguably the greatest basketball players ever." He suggested Jordan could "help with that NIL situation" to accelerate the rebuild, framing it as a test of loyalty to his alma mater.
Sharpe, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and former tight end for the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens, pushed back immediately. "People with long money like to invest in things they like… What does Michael Jordan like? [Basketball and golf]. What is North Carolina known for? [Basketball]," Sharpe countered on the same episode, pointing out that Jordan's passions align more with UNC's storied basketball program than football.
Also Read: Nikola Jokic stunned by Cam Johnson’s “really pretty” shot as Denver Nuggets rebuild for another title
You may also like
Arne Slot sent major warning over Mohamed Salah amid Liverpool woes
Harry Kane makes feelings clear on Premier League return after transfer clause emerges
Suspected Covid fraudsters given final warning to pay up owed cash before key deadline
Robert Jenrick savaged over 'cynical' plan to abolish Sentencing Council
Harry Kane in "highest level" claim as he makes England World Cup plans clear
