Bill Belichick will return to coaching, but not in the NFL.

The six-time Super Bowl-winning coach is making the move to the American college ranks, agreeing to take over at the University of North Carolina.

Multiple media outlets have reported the hire, and terms of the deal were being finalised on Wednesday.

The 72-year-old Belichick did not coach in 2024 after serving as the New England Patriots head coach from 2000 to 2023.

During his 24 years at the helm in New England, the Patriots won 17 AFC East crowns and appeared in nine Super Bowls.

Prior to his time in New England, Belichick coached the Cleveland Browns for five seasons, from 1991 to 1995.

His 302 career wins rank third all-time behind Don Shula (328) and Geroge Halas (318).

Though he has never coached in college, his father coached running backs at North Carolina from 1953 to 1955, so Belichick has a connection to the university.

He takes over a Tar Heels program that went 6-6 in 2024 and recently fired Mack Brown.

Bill Belichick finalizing a deal to become the next head coach at the University of North Carolina. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/Lt4yKktbtF

— NFL (@NFL) December 11, 2024