NFL coaching legend Bill Belichick brings North Carolina Tar Heels to Dublin for college classic

Next year’s Aviva Stadium renewal will see Belichick, who won six Super Bowls as the head coach of the New England Patriots and another two as defensive coordinator with the New York Giants, face Texas Christian University in college football’s season-opener.

Belichick left his position as Patriots head coach following a disappointing 2023 NFL season, and after a period where he was limited to media work, the 73-year-old was appointed head coach of the UNC Tar Heels in December in what many saw as an unexpected move into the college game.

Should he remain head coach of UNC after the 2025 season (barring, for example, a shock return to NFL sidelines) he will begin his second year of college football in Dublin.

“We’re grateful to be selected to participate in the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic. It’s a tremendous opportunity for our program and we’re excited to represent the university and our community on an international stage,” said Belichick.

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