Rob Ninkovich expects this to be a ‘challenge’ for Bill Belichick at UNC

The NFL coaching résumé of Bill Belichick is self-evident.

However, the future Hall of Famer’s accomplishment at the top level of football does not guarantee an easy transfer to UNC as a college football coach.

In addition to the usual conversation (and diversions) about Belichick and his connection to Jordan Hudson, Belichick will also have to get used to the caliber of football played at the university level.

Rob Ninkovich, a former defensive star for the Patriots, believes Belichick may be in for some growing pains at Chapel Hill after coaching multiple stacked squads in Foxborough during his 24-year tenure with the team.

I believe we were all a little taken aback when he accepted that position. Ninkovich appeared alongside former teammates Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman on the Dudes on Dudes podcast. Trying to make the most of a roster with fewer skill will be difficult, in my opinion.

Drake Maye Ninkovich emphasized that many collegiate rosters only have so many excellent players in place these days, despite the fact that UNC has produced several exceptional NFL players over the years, including Lawrence Taylor in the late 1970s, Julius Peppers in the 1990s, and Drake Taylor now.

“Let’s face it, the NFL’s worst team has more talent,” Ninkovich remarked. With a roster full of studs, you could have the (expletive) NFL football team. Given that, let’s face it, one, two, or even three of these kids are NFL-caliber athletes, I believe it might be a little harder to get the best out of them.

Ninkovich then asked Gronkowski (Arizona) and Edelman (Kent State) how many players on their college rosters were NFL-caliber. Both men said that perhaps three or four of their colleagues advanced to the next level.

Because of this, Belichick will have a difficult time not only creating a winning culture but also seeing it translate on the field when the Tar Heels lack the depth that other elite teams in college football have.

According to Ninkovich, every collegiate team likely has three or four players of NFL caliber. Some don’t have one, while others do. You will have eight to 10 if you are in Alabama.

However, as Belichick attempts to turn around a football school that finished 6-7 the previous season, the shifting environment of collegiate athletics may potentially work to his advantage.

Ninkovich stated, “You’re going to need to bring in some talent.” Since there are no longer any walk-ons, I am aware that several of the Big-10’s larger colleges must reduce their enrollment. You’re trying to sign those guys through free agency if you’re Chapel Hill.