Through the first two weeks of the year, the North Carolina Tar Heels defense has been impressive. UNC is 2-0 on the season with wins over TCU and FCS East Tennessee State. While they have not faced the greatest competition, the Bill Belichick defense has allowed only 6.5 points per game. With how badly Clemson has struggled on offense, it could be an issue. Who is calling this UNC defense?
Well, as it turns out, it has been his younger son Brian Belichick. In the wake of his older brother Steve Belichick resigning from his post as defensive coordinator on Thursday morning, Brian Belichick will once again resume defensive play-calling duties for the third time this season. He held the TCU offense to only 10 points in Week 0 in Dublin and the East Tennessee State attack to three in Week 2.
Matt Zenitz's reporting for CBS Sports reveals it was not Bill Belichick calling plays in UNC's first two games, but his youngest son. While Bill Belichick may get accused of nepotism for having his two sons on North Carolina and New England staffs, whatever Brian Belichick has dialed up defensively the last two weeks is working. If that continues, Clemson may have a hard time finding the end zone.
Secondary coach Brian Belichick is currently expected to be North Carolina’s defensive play-caller moving forward, sources tell @CBSSports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) September 17, 2026
Has called UNC’s first two games, as was reported by @BruceFeldmanCFB too, and the expectation is he’ll continue on as the play-caller. pic.twitter.com/wveg62bYiT
Brian Belichick calling the defense will free up Bill Belichick vs. Clemson
There is a lot to unpack here. So with Steve Belichick now out of the equation, it removes a level of confusion throughout the UNC football program. He is the second big name of note to resign this month, with former general manager Michael Lombardi out the door a few weeks ago. Bill Belichick putting his full trust and faith in his son Brian Belichick to call the defense frees him up considerably.
For as strong as North Carolina's defense has looked, it could certainly be better on offense, as well as on special teams. Since most Belichick-coached teams are proficient in the game's crucial third phase, look for that to be an area where the 74-year-old head coach places a greater emphasis in. Of course, he may want to help usher along Bobby Petrino's offense just a bit more with Billy Edwards Jr.
In short, Belichick having less of a role on defense means his attention can go somewhere else. That could be to find ways to exploit Clemson's improving defense, as well as be more precise on special teams. Either way, a new coaching star has emerged on Belichick's staff by way of his son. On the other side of the coin, we have Chad Morris challenging the rest of Dabo Swinney's staff to be better.
Right now, we could be seeing two ships passing in the night between Clemson and North Carolina. The winner of this game will gain some much-needed confidence heading into the heart of ACC play, while the loser will be left searching for answers. Frankly, all the pressure is on Clemson to hold serve at home. Swinney knows who is calling the UNC defense, but Belchick has another trick up his sleeve.
The power of adaptability and delegation from UNC should have the Tigers on upset alert in Week 3.
Add us as a preferred source on Google