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Steve Belichick is still the defensive coordinator at the University of Washington. With the Huskies planning to play in a bowl game vs. Louisville on New Year’s Eve, that expects to remain the case through at least 2025.
After that, all bets are off. The play caller has been linked to the University of North Carolina, where his father recently accepted the head coaching job.
That speculation could be influencing current Husky players in their transfer decisions. On Monday, freshman Khmori House entered the portal following a productive first season. That announcement came as a shock to many.
From what I’ve heard, not a single person inside the program thought this was coming. They’re just as shocked as we are
— B1G Reign☔️ (@huskymuse) December 17, 2024
Steve Belichick’s future might have something to do with it, one college football insider suggested. House initially committed to Washington while Kalen DeBoer was still at the helm. He weighed his options after seeing the head coach bail for Alabama.
After four days in the transfer portal, House removed his name from consideration with new coach Jedd Fisch hiring Belichick to his staff. The pair flourished in Year 1!
Recent rumors of the defensive coordinator’s departure have caused uncertainty. Insider Greg Biggins of 247 Sports tabbed North Carolina as a “likely destination” upon seeing House in the portal. He used the expectation of Steve Belichick joining the Tar Heels staff as reasoning.
“Talking with someone close to [House’s] recruitment, it sounds like UNC is a likely destination. The obvious connection here is with UW DC Steve Belichick, expected to take a similar position at UNC.”
Jedd Fisch was asked about the possibility of Belichick leaving Washington for North Carolina. He didn’t seem overly concerned with the thought of his play caller bolting.
“There’s no indication to me that I need to continue on in those conversations. But, whatever happens, I’m sure there will be a story every time that coach Belichick’s name gets brought up for any job, whether it’s the North Carolina job or the Chicago Bears job I guess is open, or any other job, and then they’ll ask whether or not his son will join him or stay here.
“If he joins him then we’ll have to hire a new defensive coordinator. If he stays here, then we won’t have to hire a new defensive coordinator.”
-Jedd Fisch
Bill Belichick was hired by North Carolina last week, sparking the speculation of his son’s future. Steve Belichick previously admitted to accepting the job at Washington as a way of getting out of his father’s shadow. After one season, the duo could again rejoin forces.
If it comes to fruition, the Tar Heels might not only land a new staff member, but they might grab some defensive talent, too. Steve Belichick is still with the Washington Huskies, but he could have reason to sway his current players to UNC.