So much for Bill Belichick being obsessed with catching Don Shula.

The long-time NFL coach has applied for the job in North Carolina. According to SI.com’s Pat Forde, Belichick has been talking to UNC “for several days.” He has a “genuine interest” in coaching at the college level.

Belichick began his coaching career in 1975. He worked continuously at the NFL level until 2023. He has never coached at the college level.

But his father was a Boy Scout at the Naval Academy and Belichick learned the game working with his father. In some ways, it would be appropriate for Belichick to give it a try.

The bigger question is whether Belichick doesn’t believe the planets will behave in a way that gives him an NFL opportunity, which he would accept. Last year, he received only one interview and no offer in the hiring cycle.

Possible destinations in 2025 include the Jaguars, Bears, Saints, Cowboys, Buccaneers and Giants. Everything depends, firstly, on whether there is a vacancy and, secondly, on the willingness of the owner to hire a coach who will turn 73 in April.

Control will be a problem. If he doesn’t get the keys to the football operation, will the person who has it have no problem with Belichick working for him?

Belichick will also likely want to go to a team that offers him a chance to win. If he fails at his first stop after the Patriots, it will diminish his perceived greatness.

Of course, the college game is a different animal. Recruiting, NIL, limited access to players, etc. He would have to assemble a team of lieutenants with different skill sets than he would need in the NFL.

Wherever this goes, Belichick doesn’t seem like the type to waste anyone else’s time, especially his. It will be interesting to see if he applies for other open positions at the college level.