Sources: Talks between North Carolina and Bill Belichick continue

According to sources, talks between North Carolina and Bill Belichick for the school’s vacant head coaching position are continuing.

Sources told ESPN that talks between UNC and Belichick, 73, have continued, with some type of resolution expected this week. Belichick is expected to make multiple public appearances this week, which could add some clarity to the level of his interest.

The NCAA transfer portal opens Monday, leaving UNC’s roster potentially in flux. Sources told ESPN that Belichick met with UNC officials at least once, in New York last week, and the dialogue continued.

Tulane coach Jon Sumrall will no longer be linked to the job, as sources told ESPN on Sunday night Sumrall informed Tulane officials that he will remain at the school and will not pursue any of the open jobs in the conference of power.

He and Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith were two of the names most closely linked to the position when it opened. Smith is no longer engaged in that work. Iowa State’s Matt Campbell is not expected to be a candidate.

UNC also spoke with Army’s Jeff Monken about the opening, a source told ESPN’s Chris Low.

It’s unclear how deep UNC’s talks with Belichick are, according to sources, other than they have gone on for an extended period.

The search for UNC has been scattered, according to sources, with uncertainty in the industry about who is leading it. Board President John P. Preyer has been a key supporter of Belichick throughout the process and has galvanized a group at the school behind Belichick’s potential hiring.

Some people with ties to Belichick are skeptical that he would take the job, since he never worked in college football. Others say he has been sincere and thorough in his interest and wants to return to banking.

There are issues looming over any Belichick courtship, including the potential role of his son Stephen Belichick, UNC’s NIL resources, Belichick’s salary and personnel resources.

There are signs throughout the industry that Belichick is still involved in the job.

UNC staff representatives have hypothetically discussed potential player interest if Belichick were to accept the job. They stressed that nothing was done, but they had conversations about the idea.

According to sources, third parties have also been calling potential staff members for a university job in case a deal is reached. Sources say Belichick’s exploration has included a dive into nearly every aspect of college coaching and what it might look like.