Bill Belichick Dismisses Freddie Kitchens and Mike Priefer
Bill Belichick has made significant changes to his coaching staff after a challenging season at the University of North Carolina (UNC). He has dismissed two of his top assistants: offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens and special-teams coordinator Mike Priefer.
Coaching Changes at UNC
Freddie Kitchens, who served as the head coach for the Cleveland Browns in 2019, was also the interim head coach for the Tar Heels in 2024. Despite the challenges of the past season, he remained with the team following Belichick’s appointment last year. Mike Priefer, who had a long career in the NFL and joined the UNC staff after a two-year hiatus from football, also faced dismissal. He previously worked with Kitchens in Cleveland.
Looking Ahead
As he prepares for his second season, Belichick is tasked with finding replacements for both coordinator positions. The performance in his inaugural season raised concerns, and there is pressure to improve. A strong coaching staff is vital, but the quality of the players is also crucial for success.
- Key Changes:
- Freddie Kitchens dismissed as offensive coordinator
- Mike Priefer dismissed as special-teams coordinator
- Upcoming Challenges:
- Identify new coordinators
- Improve player quality for 2026 season
For the 2025 season, the Tar Heels lacked sufficient talent, which contributed to their struggles. Enhancing the roster will be critical for achieving better results in future seasons. Belichick’s next decisions will significantly influence the program’s direction moving forward.
