Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is returning to the sidelines after receiving a five-year contract to take over college team North Carolina Tar Heels.

The deal, worth about $50 million, must be ratified by the University of North Carolina Board of Trustees and Board of Governors. There will be a special meeting on Thursday.

Belichick’s father, Steve, was an assistant coach at the University of North Carolina from 1953 to 1955. Bill Belichick takes over a program that hasn’t won a conference title since 1980.

Belichick said in a statement released by North Carolina: “I am excited about the opportunity at UNC-Chapel Hill. I grew up around college football with my dad and treasured those times. I’ve always wanted to coach in college and now I’m looking forward to building the football program in Chapel Hill.”

North Carolina Chancellor Lee H. Roberts added in a statement: “This is an exciting day for Carolina football and our university. Carolina is committed to excellence and to creating an opportunity for success in everything we do, from the classroom to the competitive field.” After speaking with Coach Belichick, I know he shares this commitment. His legacy speaks for itself and we look forward to working together on the next chapter of Carolina football.

Belichick will replace Mack Brown, who was fired at the end of the regular season. The Tar Heels (6-6) will play in the Fenway Bowl on Dec. 28 in Boston.

Belichick, 72, parted ways with the Patriots after the 2023 season after 24 years with the franchise. He did not coach again this year, despite interviewing for several NFL jobs, and served in several media roles.

Belichick has 333 wins as an NFL coach and needs 14 more to break the NFL coaching win record held by Don Shula.

However, reports earlier this week said he was surprised not to hear from NFL teams that had openings.

It will be his first coaching position at the collegiate level. His son Steve is the defensive coordinator at the University of Washington and a prominent role for him at UNC was reportedly part of his father’s pitch to the Tar Heels.