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2d ago

Belichick Fires UNC Offensive, Special-Teams Coordinators After 4-8 Debut

The move follows a 4-8 debut defined by a bottom-tier offense with costly special-teams miscues.

Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels responds to questions during his press conference following their loss to the NC State Wolfpack at Carter-Finley Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
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CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 10: General view of a North Carolina Tar Heels helmet seen before the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • North Carolina announced the dismissals of offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens and special-teams coordinator Mike Priefer, with their staff bios removed shortly after the move.
  • UNC’s offense averaged 288.8 yards and 19.3 points per game, ranking 129th and 119th nationally, while late-season breakdowns included a Duke fake field goal and an NC State fake punt.
  • WRAL reported both coaches will be paid out at their 2025 salary levels for the remainder of their deals, with offset and mitigation clauses; Kitchens’ contract included $1.15–$1.2 million salaries and Priefer’s $400,000–$425,000.
  • Belichick and the athletic department signaled alignment as the program opens searches for a new offensive coordinator and special-teams chief, with multiple outlets reporting further staff changes are expected.
  • This was Belichick’s first season at UNC after installing an NFL-style approach, and the Tar Heels finished 4-8 overall and 2-6 in the ACC without a bowl appearance.