During his career, Jamie Collins had three different stints with Bill Belichick and the Patriots.
Now, the former NFL linebacker is on to Round 4 with his former head coach.
On Friday, in an interview with TMZ, Collins indicated he was headed to Chapel HIll as a defensive assistant/analyst.
“When (Belichick) got the (UNC) job, I was like, it would be perfect,” Collins told TMZ. “I reached out to him and told him ‘I’m here, I’d love to be on staff.’ He gave me the opportunity, and here I am.”
Collins said he would be working with Belichick’s defense, primarily with the linebackers.
“I’m not really sure of the specifics of it. I would mainly like to work with the linebackers because that’s what I played and I can give more and do more at that position,” he said. “But I’ll do whatever they need me to do. If you need me to coach the secondary, I can do that, too.”
Collins was drafted by the Patriots in 2013 as a second round pick out of Southern Miss. He won a Super Bowl with the team in 2014 and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2015.
During his 10 NFL seasons, Collins not only had three separate go-rounds with the Patriots, but also played with Cleveland and Detroit.
He finished his career with 708 tackles, 26.5 sacks, 12 interceptions and 19 forces fumbles before retiring in 2023.
Collins told TMZ he was looking forward to the new venture.
“I’m trying to step into another lane that I think I can be great in and that’s coaching,” Collins said. “I’m blessed for the opportunity. I love that dude., and he loves me. We’ll see how it works. I’m grateful and ready.”
Collins will also work with Belichick’s son Steve, who coached Collins in New England.
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