How UNC Players Are Addressing Controversy

After weeks of speculation about locker room tension and coaching controversy, Tar Heel players are staying vocal about unity, progress, and belief in their direction.

Bill Belichick speaking to the press before UNC's first practice of fall camp on Aug. 2, 2025 | Jackson McCurdy, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI

Staying Together Amidst Noise

As rumors of division and unrest swirl around North Carolina football, players inside the locker room are choosing a different message. They insist the group remains together, focused on improving, and unshaken by what they call outside distractions.

Oct 28, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of a North Carolina Tar Heels helmet on the field before a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Junior offensive lineman Christo Kelly said what he sees in practice does not match the picture being painted from the outside.

“What I can speak for is what I see day in and day out,” Kelly said. “These guys are committed to this team, committed to each other, working with each other. The results on the field aren’t what we want, but I see guys that are coming together and stringing along great practices. We’re heading in the right direction.”

Bill Belichick walking off the field after North Carolina's 48-14 loss vs. TCU on Sept. 1, 2025. | Jackson McCurdy, North Carolina Tar Heels On SI

Leadership Voices Step Up

Veteran linebacker Andrew Simpson echoed the same tone, emphasizing the team’s effort to reset after a difficult stretch. “All we can do is bring the guys together and focus on the task at hand,” Simpson said. “We have seven weeks left in the season, and by no means is anybody on the team done with this year. We’re trying to grow, continue to get wins, and keep the guys together.”

UNC LB Andrew Simpson | Grant Chachere, North Carolina Tar Heels On SI

Belichick's Response and Perspective

Head coach Bill Belichick addressed the speculation earlier this week, pointing to steady improvement across the roster. “I’m with these people every day, coaches and players on the field,” Belichick said.

Bill Belichick | Jackson McCurdy, North Carolina Tar Heels On SI

“Our guys work hard and have a great attitude. We’ve made a lot of improvements. I think that’s exciting for everyone to see, especially for the individual players in their units. Anybody around it daily would notice the progress.”

Belichick also spoke on the loss of team captain Thad Franklin Jr., who suffered a significant injury last week. “Thad trained very hard and was one of our team captains,” he said. “He gave a lot of leadership to the team. As one of our most experienced players, it’s hard to lose someone like that.”

Bill Belichick | Jackson McCurdy, North Carolina Tar Heels On SI

Insider the Locker Room

Inside the program, players describe practices as sharper and more connected, with leadership voices stepping up to stabilize the group. They talk about focusing on chemistry, communication, and responsibility, areas that have improved since early September.

Still, the team knows that unity alone will not silence criticism. At 2-4, the Tar Heels are under pressure to turn progress in practice into wins on Saturdays. With a key matchup at Cal ahead, they see the opportunity to prove that belief and togetherness can still define this season.

Bill Belichick | Jackson McCurdy, Tar Heels On SI

Kelly summed it up simply after practice. “Everyone wants to win,” he said. “Players, coaches, fans. But we’re sticking together, and we’re excited to keep working.”

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