The New England Patriots announced a first round of roster cuts Friday, as new head coach Mike Vrabel continues to rid the team of players picked by his predecessors.

College football may be becoming more like the NFL in some ways, but Belichick and Reich still face unique challenges in 2025.

While promoting his book, “The Art of Winning” on “The Pivot Podcast” this summer, the first-year UNC coach recalled having to manage the relationship between Tom Brady, his Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback, who Belichick won six Super Bowls with in New England, and controversial wide receiver Antonio Brown, who arrived in 2019:

Belichick’s new chapter at North Carolina is already making waves as he contrasts his freedom in college football with the power struggles of the NFL.

Appearing on ESPN’s College GameDay last December, Belichick said he spent time last year observing at the University of Washington, where his son, Steve Belichick, was the defensive coordinator in 2024. He noted the improvements he saw from players taking part in padded spring football practices -- a concept that doesn’t exist at the NFL level.

The 73-year-old football coach and his 24-year-old girlfriend were spotted together on a date night in Chapel Hill, North Carolina this week