Bill Belichick sends clear message on Steve Belichick’s UNC absence as defensive play calling decision looms
The Tar Heels are coming off a 4-8 season, so the defense already has plenty to prove before the first game. Steve was placed on medical leave on August 6. Because steve’s absence does not leave UNC starting from scratch, that experience matters.
CBS Sports reported that Bill also declined to say whether Steve would be available for the opener. WRAL News reported the same approach when Steve’s medical leave was first announced.
I’ve called as a coach; I’ve called plays on offense, defense, and the kicking game,” Bill said. When asked if Steve would call plays if he returned, Bill simply said there was “no update” and added that he did not want to discuss the medical situation. “Yeah, no update,” Bill Belichick said. Bill also said the staff has been preparing together and that his focus remains on getting the team ready for TCU, according to Tar Heel Tribune. Bill said at the time that the program hoped to have him back “as soon as possible,” but he did not provide a return date or discuss the medical issue. Bill said the defense would continue to be handled collectively by the staff.
“Yeah, absolutely. “But we have a really good staff. I have a lot of confidence in them. But, you know, if I need to do anything, I feel confident in doing it. That does not mean Bill Belichick has officially taken over the defense. He was careful not to say that he would be the person making every call against TCU. “Yeah, not really going to talk about that situation. The coaches already know the defensive system and have been working together during his time away. Bill’s own history also gives UNC another option. He spent much of his NFL career working on defense and has called plays on offense, defense and special teams. Still, taking over the defense would add another major responsibility as he prepares for his second season as UNC’s head coach.