CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — South Alabama quarterback Gio Lopez is transferring to North Carolina. Lopez announced his decision on social media Thursday night to join Bill Belichick’s Tar Heels, who wrapped up spring practices last weekend. Lopez proved to be a dual-threat option in his first full season as the starter, throwing for 2,559…… Continue Reading
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Bill Belichick is back on the practice sidelines again, though now in college at North Carolina. The 72-year-old coach who won six Super Bowls with the NFL’s New England Patriots opened spring practices at UNC this week. He also held his first news conference on campus since his introductory one after his hiring in December. Belichick told reporters that players have responded well to the new staff. That comes as Belichick and general manager Michael Lombardi have talked about building what amounts to a mini-NFL model in a college program. UNC’s spring practices run through April 12.… Continue Reading
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina general manager Michael Lombardi says everything the Tar Heels do under new coach Bill Belichick “is predicated on building a pro team.” Lombardi held a news conference Tuesday to discuss the Tar Heels’ most recent batch of signees and the work so far in Belichick’s brief tenure. The school hired Belichick in December for his first college-coaching job. Belichick led the NFL’s New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles as a head coach. Lombardi said the recruiting pitch to players includes having “the greatest coach in the history of football” to go with “a great university.”… Continue Reading