Bill Belichick, Michael Lombardi Discuss Importance of North Carolina's Offseason

It is time to move on from 2025, which was a disappointing experience for the North Carolina Tar Heels, who finished with a 4-8 record and failed to qualify for bowl eligibility for the first time since 2018. What makes it all worse is that this all transpired in Bill Belichick's first season as the team's head coach.

With what we have seen so far this offseason, let's go back and take a look at several quotes that have shaped the Tar Heels' offseason so far.

Recruitment Process

Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Richmond Spiders head coach Russ Huesman talks to North Carolina Tar Heels general manger Michael Lombardi and head coach Bill Belichick before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

"[The class] is big, it’s robust," Lombardi said. "It wasn’t intended always to be that way, but I think with what a lot of things have happened during the course of the season, with coaching changes, which opened up a lot of players to become available, it afforded us an opportunity to capitalize on that and build a roster.”

"Your team needs list is pretty much… We must have this," Lombardi continued. "Then the second category is, you want this. Then the third category is, you need this. That’s players that you’d like to improve, but you have a player there."

"It's a big class, and we're excited about the players that have signed and committed here," Belichick said. "They will be a foundation for our program. They represent the values that we stand for, at least the way we feel at this time. That’s why we recruited those players, and it really transcends the entire football team."

Importance of the Quarterback Position and How it Affects Roster Construction

Nov 22, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Gio Lopez (7) is hit after a pass by Duke Blue Devils defensive back Caleb Weaver (3) during the first half at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-Imagn Images | William Howard-Imagn Images

"I think we’re going to spend a lot of time on every position and evaluate every position correctly, and then understand where we need to go forward," Lombardi said. "And certainly, Travis Burgess. Obviously, he missed most of his senior season with his injuries, so that has to play into account."

"So, your best player has to make the most money, taking the quarterback out of it because they usually make the most, but your best player (makes the most), and then your second-best player, and you work your way down. But if your 20th player is making 'X', and your second-best player is making 'Y', and it’s less than that, you’ve got a problem on your team.”

Major Moves Signaling the Need for Change

Nov 22, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick watches play during the first half against the Duke Blue Devils at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-Imagn Images | William Howard-Imagn Images

"We want to thank Coach [Freddie] Kitchens and Coach [Mike] Priefer for their commitment and many contributions to our program and student-athletes," Belichick said in a statement. "We wish them both nothing but the best in their future endeavors."

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