Bill Belichick returns for his second season after North Carolina finished 4-8 overall and 2-6 in ACC play in 2025. Bobby Petrino arrives from Arkansas as offensive coordinator, and Wisconsin transfer Billy Edwards takes over at quarterback after making 16 career starts at the Power Conference level. With Demon June, Benjamin Hall, Jordan Shipp, and Trech Kekahuna back in key roles, and several new starters on the offensive line, North Carolina needs that experience to build continuity across a reworked offense.

Steve Belichick remains on medical leave and has resigned as defensive coordinator effective Oct. 27. North Carolina returns four of its top eleven tacklers from last season after losing its top three. Melkart Abou-Jaoude and Leroy Jackson return as full-time starters after making 11 starts apiece, while Kaleb Cost, Jaiden Patterson, Coleman Bryson, Derek McDonald, and Isaiah Johnson bring starting experience across the unit. The defense enters 2026 with major turnover and needs those returning starters to steady the unit.

Billy Miller takes over as special teams coordinator as North Carolina replaces its primary specialists from last season. LSU transfer Aeron Burrell handles the placekicking, punting, and kickoff duties, while Trech Kekahuna has taken over as the primary punt returner. Jaylen McGill returns with experience in the kickoff-return game. North Carolina enters 2026 with a new offensive coordinator and considerable turnover along the offensive line, at linebacker, and throughout special teams. The Tar Heels return their leading receiver and several experienced defenders, but the central question is how quickly the new pieces come together.