Bill Belichick children are making headlines as they join their legendary father in a groundbreaking coaching venture at the University of North Carolina. Steve Belichick serves as defensive coordinator while Brian Belichick takes on the role of defensive backs coach, marking a historic family reunion in college football as the 2025 season kicks off.
The coaching dynasty continues to expand as the Belichick family transforms UNC football. Bill Belichick has three children with his ex-wife Debby Clarke: daughter Amanda, 41, and sons Stephen, 38, and Brian, 31. While Amanda has carved her own path in lacrosse coaching, both sons have followed directly in their father’s footsteps into football.
Steve Belichick: The Veteran Son
Steve, the oldest son, played lacrosse at Rutgers from 2008-11 and also played football his senior season. His transition from player to coach has been remarkable. In 2012, Steve joined his father’s coaching staff with the New England Patriots, where he spent over a decade honing his skills.
Now at UNC, Steve brings extensive NFL experience to the college level. His appointment as defensive coordinator represents a significant step in his coaching career, working alongside his father to implement proven NFL systems in the college game.
Brian Belichick’s New Chapter
Brian Belichick spent the past five seasons as the New England Patriots’ safeties coach but will not return to the team in 2025, instead joining the family coaching staff at North Carolina. Brian coached under his father in New England and served as the Patriots’ defensive backs coach from 2020 to 2024, progressing from a scouting assistant to safeties coach since joining in 2016.
His expertise in developing defensive backs will be crucial for UNC’s secondary, bringing professional-level coaching techniques to college players.
Family Dynamics and Recent Developments
The Belichick family has been in the spotlight beyond football. Bill Belichick’s children have some hesitations amid their dad’s relationship with 24-year-old Jordon Hudson, though they “want the best” for the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach.
Steve tied the knot with Jennifer Schmitt in June 2017, and the couple has four children together – Blake, Hayes, Quincy, and Rocco. The extended family dynamics have occasionally made headlines, but the focus remains on football success.
Amanda Belichick’s Independent Success
While her brothers joined the football ranks, Amanda chose a different athletic path. Their daughter Amanda played lacrosse at Wesleyan University, and as of 2025 has been the head women’s lacrosse coach at the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts since July 2015. Her decade-long tenure demonstrates the family’s commitment to athletic excellence across different sports.
The UNC Transformation
From enlightening and exhilarating to chaotic and tumultuous, there hasn’t been anything boring about Belichick at UNC. The family’s arrival has created unprecedented attention for the program, with fans and media closely watching how NFL success translates to college football.
The Belichick children represent more than nepotism – they bring proven expertise and fresh perspectives to college football. Their combined experience from the professional level could revolutionize how UNC approaches player development and game strategy.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on how the Belichick family coaching tree performs at the collegiate level. The combination of Bill’s legendary leadership and his sons’ specialized expertise creates an intriguing dynamic that could reshape college football coaching.
The success of this family venture will likely influence how other programs view hiring coaching families and implementing NFL-style systems in college football.
What are your thoughts on the Belichick family taking over UNC football? Share your predictions for how this coaching dynasty will perform in their first college season and stay tuned for more updates on this fascinating football story.