Bill Belichick offered little comfort after his North Carolina Tar Heels fell to UCF, flatly admitting, “Too many problems out there…they were just better than us.”
The Tar Heels’ offense never found rhythm, with Gio (Lopez) leaving due to injury and Max (Johnson) stepping in at quarterback. Asked if Max brought more vertical potential, Belichick deflected: “We’ll take a look at the film. A lot of guys out there today, I can evaluate all of them.” He refused to highlight individuals, reminding, “Football is a team sport. It’s 11 guys out there. Today wasn’t one of our better ones.”
On defense, UNC faltered in key moments. “Three penalties, missed the coverage,” Belichick said of the costly late first-half touchdown that shifted momentum to the Knights.
Bill Belichick exits UCF with his head hanging low.
— Nick Williams (@NickWilliamsUCF) September 20, 2025
Met by girlfriend Jordon Hudson in tunnel.
UCF beat UNC 34-9. #UCF vs. #UNC pic.twitter.com/A3zv8fkStr
Belichick credited UCF’s balance while noting his team’s failure to match it. “They do a good job. They have multiple options on their plays. They executed them well. Backs, quarterbacks, RPOs, receivers, a well balanced offense. Well coached. They do a good job.”
With the bye week ahead, Belichick outlined his top priorities. “Fundamentals and basic execution certainly being near the top. Situational football would be up there, too.” When asked about timing, he shrugged: “Whenever it comes it comes. Schedule’s [the] schedule.”
At 2–2, the Tar Heels face a pivotal stretch. Belichick made it clear change is on the horizon: “It’s a good time now to reevaluate. Some things we can do better, some things we need to move on from, some things we need to add. We’ll see what lies in the weeks ahead.”
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