Most Glaring Concerns UNC Football Still Hasn't Solved

Here are the problems the Tar Heels need to face with the season on the horizon.

Oct 31, 2025; Syracuse, New York, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Demon June (12) is greeted by tight end Conner Cox (81) after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The North Carolina Tar Heels football program needs to flip the script in the 2026-27 college football season if several members of this staff want to retain their jobs for at least another year.

This offseason, the Tar Heels have done a sound job of upgrading several areas of the roster, which should lead to a more competent operation. However, lingering issues must be addressed as the season progresses. With that in mind, here are a few narratives North Carolina must address in the coming weeks and months.

Bill Belichick's Coaching Ability

Jul 17, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick with the media during interviews at Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

No one doubts the 74-year-old head coach's football knowledge and what he has accomplished over the years. However, his recent track record indicates that he's lost a step in his effectiveness as a coach. Transitioning from the NFL to college has also proved to be a tall task for Belichick.

Upon his arrival in Chapel Hill, the doubts around Belichick were already high, and after a tumultuous 2025 season, those concerns were validated. Again, for the Tar Heels, it begins and ends with Belichick. If he continues struggling to adjust and escape his rigidity, North Carolina will face the same fate as last season.

Starting Quarterback

Oct 11, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) watches pre-game warmups at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ross Harried-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

I know the Tar Heels officially named Billy Edwards Jr. as the Week 1 starter, but there are still major question marks about what to expect from the six-year veteran. The Wisconsin transfer has struggled to produce and stay on the field throughout his career, and now we're supposed to expect that to change? I don't buy it.

Again, I could be proven wrong, but until proven otherwise, this will remain an issue for the Tar Heels. I'm not sold on the idea that this situation will work out, which could cause a disastrous domino effect.

Off-Field Distractions

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 | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Michael Lombardi being placed on paid administrative leave and defensive coordinator Steve Belichick being placed on medical leave couldn't have come at a worse time for the Tar Heels. Belichick's timetable for a potential return seems unknown, and the front office investigation will be a hindrance until it is resolved.

So far, the Belichick era has had way too many off-field shenanigans that carry over to the product on the field. North Carolina's coaching staff and players can't afford to have another layer of distractions as they enter a season with major repercussions if the team fails to qualify for bowl eligibility again.