Bill Belichick Adds Former Patriots LB to North Carolina Staff
North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick is already putting together a big-time staff.
It is Belichick’s first time as a college head coach, and he has added a few prominent names. Some of those names include Freddie Kitchens, Steve Belichick, Natrone Means and Matt Lombardi.
Michael Lombardi is also the general manager for North Carolina, so Belichick is working hard.
On Friday, it was reported that Belichick added another familiar name: Former New England Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins.
Collins revealed the news during an interview with TMZ Sports. It was also reported by On3 shortly after the video came out.
“I’m trying to step into another lane that I know I’d be great in, that’s coaching,” Collins began.
“Just working with the defense right now, mainly linebackers, not really sure as of right now,” Collins said. “I’m all over the place right now with the whole defense.”
New England Patriots inside linebacker Jamie Collins (58) reacts with defensive end Deatrich Wise (91) and nose tackle Davon Godchaux (92).
Collins was then asked how it came about.
“I reached out,” Collins said. “I just reached out to him and he gave me the opportunity, and here I am.”
Retired All-Pro LB Jamie Collins, who won Super Bowl XLIX with the Patriots, is joining his former head coach Bill Belichick’s coaching staff at the University of North Carolina.
Collins will serve as a defensive assistant for @UNCFootball. @UNC@JamieLee601pic.twitter.com/k5rkTZ73J1
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) February 7, 2025
Collins was drafted by the Patriots in the second round in 2013. He stayed in New England until 2016 when he was traded to the Cleveland Browns during the season.
Collins would then return to the Patriots twice, once in 2019 and then in 2021 and 2022 as he finished his NFL career with New England.
Belichick was the Patriots head coach from 2000 until 2023, and the two won Super Bowl XLIX together.
Collins retired in October 2023, and now he is joining Belichick’s staff at North Carolina.
