Cunningham has been UNC’s director of athletics since 2011 and has led the Tar Heel programs to 24 national titles in his tenure. He, along with an advisory committee, made the decision to hire the polarizing Belichick in December with hopes to revive the program which hasn’t won a bowl game since 2019.

Bill Belichick will reportedly be answering to a new boss next year (should he remain in Chapel Hill). On Tuesday the Sports Business Journal reported that UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham has announced plans to step down next summer after serving in that role since 2011.