Two high-profile offensive minds have emerged as leading candidates in Bill Belichick’s search for a new offensive coordinator at North Carolina, according to On3.
North Carolina fired offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens last week after the Tar Heels posted one of the worst offensive seasons in the FBS in 2025. UNC ranked 119th nationally in scoring offense at 19.3 points per game and 129th in total offense, averaging just 288.8 yards.
Belichick is focused on Chip Kelly and Bobby Petrino as potential replacements. Kelly’s relationship with Belichick dates back more than two decades, stemming from Kelly’s time as offensive coordinator at New Hampshire, when he frequently visited Foxborough.
Kelly most recently served as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator at Ohio State Buckeyes, while directing the nation’s No. 14 scoring offense. He returned to the NFL with the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this year but was dismissed in November. During his tenure at UCLA, Kelly’s offenses ranked among the nation’s most productive.
Petrino’s ties to Belichick are more recent, but his resume includes consistent offensive success. As interim head coach at Arkansas Razorbacks, his offense ranked fourth in the SEC this season, averaging 454.8 yards and 32.9 points per game after significant struggles a year earlier.
Both have head coaching experience and would be tremendous additions for Belichick. UNC officials are expected to move quickly to reshape the program’s offense
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