Bill Belichick has always been a polarizing figure, but his latest move is rubbing NFL owners the wrong way. After the league struggled to find a team willing to participate in the upcoming offseason edition of Hard Knocks, the series made an unprecedented turn- to Belichick’s new college team, the North Carolina Tar Heels. And that decision has left many owners furious.
According to ProFootballTalk, multiple team owners are upset that an NFL-owned platform is now showcasing a college program led by the former New England Patriots coach. The frustration stems from Bill Belichick’s strained relationships with some league executives and his continued presence in football despite no longer being part of the NFL.
Owners Upset Over NFL Films’ Decision
NFL Films reportedly had no intention of shifting Hard Knocks to the college level, but Bill Belichick aggressively pursued the opportunity, according to ProFootballTalk. His close relationship with NFL Films executive producer Ken Rodgers played a key role in securing the feature.
The decision has sparked a backlash from owners who originally declined Hard Knocks participation but now believe the NFL should have pushed harder to keep the series focused on the professional level. Some fear this sets a precedent, making it easier for high-profile college programs to overshadow struggling NFL teams that could have benefited from the exposure.
Beyond the broader concerns, Bill Belichick himself isn’t exactly a favorite among owners. As ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio put it, Belichick is “inching toward persona non grata territory.” His history of power struggles and controversies- including reports of his consigliere Mike Lombardi’s public critiques of the league- has only widened the rift.For a coach who once avoided the spotlight, Belichick’s recent push into media and high-profile appearances suggests he’s embracing a new chapter. Whether he returns to the NFL remains uncertain, but this latest move certainly hurts his chances of gaining goodwill from team owners.
