Belichick, 73, was named North Carolina's head coach on Dec. 11 after a year off from coaching. That break followed a 24-year tenure with the New England Patriots that yielded six championships, and is widely regarded as the most successful in football history.

The only missing touches were walk-up music — think Springsteen or Bon Jovi — followed by tuxedoed ring announcer Michael Buffer commanding the packed house: “LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE!”