Bill Belichick decided not to return to Massachusetts with his new UNC team on Saturday.
The Tar Heels face UConn in the Fenway Bowl, their final game before the legendary NFL coach officially takes over for the 2025 season.
The game will be played at the iconic Fenway Park, home of baseball's Boston Red Sox and practically in the backyard where Belichick coached the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl victories.
Despite the potential fanfare of a Belichick return to New England, the 72-year-old has been absent from practice and pregame media activities.
That's because, according to ESPNHe doesn't want to be a distraction for his players.
UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham said, “He's totally focused on building the roster.” I didn't want to go to practice or be a distraction to the kids or the coaches during the bowl game.
Bill Belichick decided not to return to Massachusetts with his new UNC team on Saturday.
Tar Heels face UConn in Fenway Bowl, their final game before Belichick takes over
'It's been great. He and Mike Lombardi locked themselves in a room and really spent all the time since it was announced, building the roster for this spring and next year.
Since coach Mack Brown's departure, Freddie Kitchens, who will remain with the program on Belichick's staff, has overseen the North Carolina team. Belichick and Kitchens are in regular communication.
Kitchens is finishing his second season as North Carolina's running game coordinator and tight ends coach.
He is part of a group of assistants coordinating the bowl offense when 2024 coordinator Chip Lindsey departed for Michigan earlier this month.