Social media reacts to Steve Belichick’s first media appearance

Huskies defensive coordinator Steve Belichick gave a tongue-in-cheek response about what sets him apart from his Super Bowl winning father.

New Washington Huskies defensive coordinator Steve Belichick met with the media on Wednesday prior to the start of spring practice next week. Belichick, head coach Jedd Fisch, and offensive coordinator Brennan Carroll took questions during the session, the group’s first interaction with the media as a whole.

Belichick is, of course, the son of legendary Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. Carroll is a Seattle legacy, the son of former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll. With so much NFL blood at the table, both men were asked how they’re similar to their famous fathers.

Carroll gave a solid answer, referencing his father’s golden rule: “Be yourself.” He called himself “his mother’s son” and warning the assembled media that he may not always act the same way the elder Carroll did during his time in Seattle.

Belichick answered next, beginning his answer in classic family fashion by pointing out that both men coach football first and foremost. But then, the younger Belichick pointed out a key difference between he and his dad:

Social media quickly latched onto the quote. College football commentator Mike Golic Jr., a fellow son of a famous football figure, insinuated the Huskies defensive coordinator had been waiting for this moment:

YouTuber Brandon Perna of That’s Good Sports called Belichick his new favorite coach in college football.

Senior writer at The Athletic and Big Ten Network studio analyst Nicole Auerbach had a simple reaction.

Boston Globe reporter Conor Ryan had a similarly simple response, expressing his shock at the younger Belichick’s audacity.

FOX Sports reporter Carmen Vitali apologized for not realizing Steve Belichick was capable of a quote like that:

Patriots reporter Taylor Kyles also weighed in, with a GIF expressing his shock at Belichick’s words.

Fisch did offer an olive branch later in the press conference, confirming that the elder Belichick will be around the Huskies program for five days next week as they kick off spring practice. Bill Belichick is also one of the keynote speakers at Washington’s coaching clinic next weekend.