Tag: University of North Carolina

Panthers great Julius Peppers reacts to UNC’s hiring of Bill Belichick

Pro Football Hall of Famer, Panthers legend and Tar Heels great Julius Peppers gave his stamp of approval on UNC’s hiring of Bill Belichick.

Before he was a Carolina Panthers legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Julius Peppers spent three years making a name for himself as a University of North Carolina Tar Heel. So, yeah, you could assume he was pretty interested in the program’s recent head-coaching search.

And in case you didn’t want to just assume, Peppers posted the following to Twitter/X back on Dec. 9, when the hunt over at Chapel Hill was still on . . .

Well, since that piece was said, North Carolina reeled in an awfully big fish—and you may have heard of him.

Bill Belichick was officially introduced as the new head coach of the school’s football program yesterday afternoon. The 72-year-old, known most for his 24-year tenure leading the New England Patriots, is a six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach and a three-time AP NFL Coach of the Year.

Peppers, the evening prior to the press conference, circled back to his thoughts and gave a strong stamp of approval:

Interestingly enough, one of those aforementioned Super Bowl wins pitted Belichick’s Pats against Peppers’ Panthers back in the 2003 season. And unfortunately for the latter party, we all know how that ended.

Regardless, G.O.A.T. recognizes G.O.A.T.

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Bill Belichick denies making a 400-page book of demands for UNC but we don’t believe him

We don’t believe you. You need more people.

Bill Belichick is a great football coach, but he is not necessarily a man to be trusted. Especially when it comes to his coaching.

He’s the type of guy who will find a way to keep an injured pinky toe from making its way to the injury report if it could give him a competitive advantage. I mean, come on. This is the guy who coached the Deflategate and Spygate Patriots for crying out loud.

So you can understand why it’s hard to believe this guy when he says he didn’t write a 400-page book of demands for the University of North Carolina before taking the team’s head coaching job.

It was reported that Belichick put together an “organizational bible” for UNC that included stipulations for his hiring. He was asked about it in his opening press conference. 

Of course, he denied it.

“Yeah, I mean, don’t believe everything you read in the papers, alright. I have no idea where that came from, I don’t have a 400 page document. And to think I would just go out hand it… I mean, come on, really,” he said.

Yes. Really.

Folks, let’s be honest here. This is a guy who Tom Brady called the weirdest man he’s ever been around, and that’s coming from a man who literally refuses to eat strawberries. Refuses!

Let’s also not forget that Belichick is someone who likes to wear sleeveless hoodies for fun — just because! It’s cold outside, man. Get some sleeves on those arms. Do you trust someone who wears sleeveless hoodies in the cold? I certainly do not.

That’s my point here. Belichick is a great coach. He is not someone who is particularly trustworthy. I also wouldn’t put it past him to write an organizational bible.

Is it 400 pages? Maybe not. Maybe it’s 300. Maybe it’s 100. Maybe its 4,000. I have no idea. But I certainly do believe he wrote something and handed it to the powers that be at UNC.

Maybe he did it. Maybe he didn’t. No idea. I just don’t believe what he says. Either way, we’ll learn the truth soon enough.

Coaching legend Anson Dorrance retires after 21 NCAA titles, one World Cup

One of the all-time legends of American soccer is calling it quits

It is truly the end of an era, as University of North Carolina women’s soccer head coach Anson Dorrance has announced his retirement.

Dorrance has coached the UNC women’s soccer team since 1979, and also served as U.S. women’s national team head coach from 1986 to 1994.

The 73-year-old has built an incomparable resume during his time in the game. He leaves UNC as the all-time Division I leader for NCAA championships by a coach in any sport with 21.

In addition, he led the USWNT to the championship at the first ever Women’s World Cup in 1991.

“It is no exaggeration to say Anson Dorrance is one of the greatest collegiate coaches of all time, in any sport,” said UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts in a university release.

“He has trained many of the best players in the history of U.S. women’s soccer and has led our program through decades of unparalleled success. Coach Dorrance has shaped the sport for generations to come and leaves an unequaled legacy at Carolina.”

Dorrance, who was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame 2008, has coached a total of 59 Tar Heels who went on to play for the USWNT, including some of the program’s all-time greats like Mia Hamm, April Heinrichs, Carla Overbeck, Kristine Lilly, Heather O’Reilly and Tobin Heath.

There were two UNC alums on the 2024 USWNT Olympic gold medal roster, Emily Fox and Crystal Dunn.

The program has continued to produce star athletes, as UNC duo Ally Sentnor and Savy King went first and second overall in the most recent NWSL draft.

“As many of you know I modeled our program after Dean Smith’s basketball program, and retiring at this time is a credit to his thinking, as well,” said Dorrance. “He would re-evaluate his tenure, not after the season, but after he had time to recharge his batteries prior to the next season. When he didn’t, he retired.

“After last season I initially was excited about the chance to bolster our roster, which we most certainly have done, but as preseason training camp went on, I realized I didn’t have the same energy it takes to give 100% to this year’s team. The players and staff, the university, Carolina athletics and our great fans deserve more, and the respect I have for the amazing legacy the current and former players have built led me to make this decision at this time.”

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Why rookie WR Devontez Walker could be the biggest sleeper for the Ravens

Baltimore Ravens rookie wide receiver Devontez Walker has the ideal frame to compete at the NFL level. 

At six-foot-two-inches and 200 pounds, Baltimore Ravens rookie wide receiver Devontez Walker has the ideal frame to compete at the NFL level. 

In a recent sit down with team media, Walker revealed that he had been running reps with the first-string at OTA’s. Is offensive coordinator Todd Monken sold on Walker’s upside?

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Walker’s physicality can mesh well with teammate wide receivers Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers, who are more of the speed guys.

Walker’s highlight reels from the University of North Carolina are filled with high-point catches and touchdown receptions from rookie Drake Maye.

Perhaps Walker can be a red zone threat in Monken’s scheme, a serviceable run blocker, or a decoy deep threat for Flowers on underneath routes. 

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Although the Ravens seemed to take a step back by losing key players on their roster, they’ve done diligence to add youthful talent to a franchise full of locker-room camaraderie.

University of North Carolina ranked in top 50 globally among universities

Here is where the University of North Carolina ranks among all universities globally.

The University of North Carolina is getting ready for another school year to start later this Summer as students will head back to campus to begin or continue their college journey.

The prestigious university located in Chapel Hill has a rich history of not only athletics but academics as well. And the latest global rankings from the U.S. News & World Report prove that.

The latest global university rankings are officially out with the University of North Carolina checking in at No. 47 globally. They are the fourth-ranked Atlantic Coast Conference school in the rankings behind Stanford (No. 3), Cal-Berkeley (No. 5) and Duke (No. 26).

North Carolina earned a score of 76.7 globally by the publication and enrollment was listed at 30,921 for the most updated rankings for 2024-25.

Being ranked high in these rankings isn’t anything new for the university as they have consistently found themselves in the top 40 or so during the United States rankings that are released yearly as well. It’s an impressive achievement for UNC and one that they should be proud of moving forward.

You can see the full ranking of over 2,000 universities across the globe here.

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

Julius Peppers, Armanti Edwards named to College Football Hall of Fame

Former Panthers Julius Peppers and Armanti Edwards have been named to the College Football Hall of Fame.

Well, it’s not the one in Canton, but Julius Peppers is headed to another hall.

As announced on Monday, the Carolina Panthers great has been named to the College Football Hall of Fame’s 2024 class. Peppers, already a member of the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame the Panthers Hall of Honor, is also currently a finalist for the 2024’s Pro Football Hall of Fame class.

The Bailey, N.C. native attended the University of North Carolina from 1998 to 2001. Peppers stacked up the honors over that run in Chapel Hill—earning a unanimous All-American selection and two First-team All-ACC nods as well as 2001’s Chuck Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award and Bill Willis Trophy.

Peppers—who’d be selected by the Panthers with the second overall pick of the 2002 NFL draft—closed up his Tar Heels career with 177 total tackles, five interceptions (two returns for touchdowns), five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries (one return for a touchdown).

Joining Peppers will be another former Panther in Armanti Edwards. Edwards holds a myriad of program records for Appalachian State University, where he quarterbacked from 2006 to 2009.

His legendary tenure in Boone resulted in two NCAA FCS national titles, two Walter Payton Awards, two SoCon Offensive Player of the Year nods and three First Team All-SoCon selections.

Peppers and Edwards will be inducted on Dec. 10, 2024.

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Former Celtics big man Eric Montross dies at 52

Former Celtics big man and UNC radio analyst Eric Montross has passed away at age 52.

Former Boston Celtics big man Eric Montross has passed away at the age of 52, according to a statement made by his family via his alma mater, the University of North Carolina, on Monday morning. He was diagnosed with cancer this past March, and passed surrounding by loved ones at his home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

“To know Eric was to be his friend, and the family knows that the ripples from the generous, thoughtful way that he lived his life will continue in the lives of the many people he touched with his deep and sincere kindness,” the statement said.

Boston selected Montross from the University of North Carolina with the No. 9 overall pick of the 1994 NBA draft. He was named to the Rookie All-Star Game in 1995 and earned All-Rookie Second Team honors that year.

Montross played his first two seasons in the league with the Celtics.

After his playing career, Montross worked as an analyst covering University of North Carolina games, while advocating for vaccine access around the world away from the court.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Report: Cowboys meeting with WR Josh Downs at UNC Pro Day

All 32 teams were represented in Chapel Hill, but the Cowboys were one of a few clubs the speedy WR was said to be meeting with personally. | From @ToddBrock24f7

The Cowboys had boots on the ground in Chapel Hill, N.C. on Monday, and they reportedly had their eyes on a slightly undersized playmaker who’s expecting to do big things at the next level.

All 32 NFL teams were represented at the University of North Carolina’s Pro Day, with wide receiver Josh Downs drawing a considerable crowd. Newly-named offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer was present for his workout, according to one report, with another stating that the electrifying 21-year-old was set to meet with America’s Team later in the day.

If Downs’s agent is correct in estimating his selection to come in the range of picks 25 to 45, that would make him a prime candidate for the Cowboys to grab at No. 26.

A 5-foot-10-inch, 180-pound receiver might seem like an odd choice to spend a first-round pick on, but Downs has three-sport quickness, route-running skills, and the kind of change of direction ability that gets OCs salivating.

Dallas has already upgraded their WR corps this offseason by trading for Brandin Cooks, but Downs would give them another dangerous weapon to deploy, provided the team is willing to wait on other draft needs like tight end, linebacker, cornerback, and offensive line.

Cowboys Wire did a full profile of the speedy Downs in February.

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Former Boston Celtics center Eric Montross reveals cancer diagnosis

The Celtics’ first-round selection in the 1994 NBA draft released a statement via his family and the University of North Carolina’s Men’s basketball team’s Twitter account.

The Boston Celtics and the basketball community were hit with the shocking news that former player Eric Montross is battling cancer. The Celtics‘ first-round selection in the 1994 NBA draft released a statement via his family and the University of North Carolina’s Men’s basketball team’s Twitter account.

“Eric was recently diagnosed with cancer and is beginning treatments under the care of the amazing oncologists, nurses, and staff at the world-class UNC Lineberger Cancer Center. Our family is, of course, deeply concerned, but we have spent nearly three decades in the fight against children’s cancer and know well the incredible advancements that are being made in oncology treatments, as well as the power of love, prayer, support, and positivity” it began.

“We are all touched by the responses our entire family has received since the news became public.”

NCAA hoops fans had lots of jokes about Hubert Davis’ very enthusiastic in-game interview

Hubert Davis was PUMPED.

Hubert Davis is having himself one hell of a March Madness tournament.

From starting the season with a lackluster12-6 record in his first year with the team, Davis has turned North Carolina around to star in the NCAA title game against Kansas after taking down Mike Krzyzewski and Duke. Not only that, NCAA fans have really taken to Davis during this tournament due to his incredible, emotional story with the Tar Heels.

During Monday night’s title game against Kansas, CBS court side reporter Tracy Wolfson was able to catch Davis for a mid-game interview. And folks, was Davis ever pumped up for this.

What enthusiasm! Usually the mid-game interview falls flat for people due to just how awkward it is, but for some, Davis finally justified it. Not only that, a ton of NCAA hoops fans loved the passion Davis showcased in this interview and made a lot of jokes about it on Twitter.