CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Though widely-regarded as a defensive guru, Bill Belichick pushed back gently when asked about Freddie Kitchens running North Carolina’s offense ahead of the first day of fall camp.
“As a head coach, I’ve always tried to be involved in every aspect of the game,” Belichick said. “Whether that’s offense, defense, special teams, our strength program, our conditioning program, our off-the-field education of the players and so forth. I think it’s important for me to be a part of all the things that we do and to add emphasis to the players and the coaches or whoever is responsible for those areas.”
Belichick’s jack-of-all positions nature was on display during the 21-minute media window at his first practice of fall camp. As mist and light rain came down at Koman Practice Complex, Belichick was everywhere.
Clad in a gray crewneck — sleeves in tact — Carolina blue shorts and a navy blue hat, Belichick began the session huddled with some of his assistants, practice script in hand.
Media was restricted to a far sideline, which local reporters said was a stark contrast from the way Mack Brown ran things, where reporters were given free range to roam, but it was similar to the way access was held in Foxborough. Binoculars were a must.
When stretching was done, the former Patriots coach bounced to a special teams drill, where the hands-on coaching began. After Belichick spoke to his players, the coach put a knee in the turf and jumped into the holder’s spot himself for the next rep.
For individual drills, the 73-year-old coach paced both practice fields in the complex, pausing to observe players in all three phases. At one point Belichick stopped for a pep talk with his wide receivers as the precipitation began to pick up, then watched their routes from the line of scrimmage.
About 10 minutes into the session, Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” played, so the coach certainly still holds sway over the practice playlist. Belichick’s sons Steve and Brian were both on the practice field too, busy with their own respective players.
Prior to the practice, Belichick made it clear that competition would be king in Chapel Hill this summer.
“Anybody who is walking in here feeling like ‘Well, I’m going to be the starting this or that. I’m entitled to this.’ That’s not really the way it’s going to work,” Belichick said. “They’re going to have to earn it. If they want to come in and earn playing time and earn a roster spot and play at Carolina, play in the ACC, and get that kind of profile, then we’ll give it to them and we’ll see what they can do. Whatever they get, they’re going to earn. We’re not handing out anything. Just like nobody is handing out wins in this conference. You’re going to have to earn them. We’re going to have to earn our spots on the field.”
After 21 minutes, the media was ushered out, and that competition likely intensified behind closed doors.
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