Bill Belichick hire brings excitement to businesses in Chapel Hill
Dec 13, 2024
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) — With Bill Belichick officially introduced as the next head football coach of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, businesses on Franklin Street are already gearing up for what should be an exciting football season.
"As soon as I heard that Bill Belichick’s first words were Duke sucks, I knew he was a good addition to the family," said Andrew Young, owner of Blue's on Franklin.
The legendary, six-time Super Bowl champion head coach was introduced by the university Thursday afternoon, fresh off agreeing to a five-year contract with the program.
Bill Belichick speaks as UNC-Chapel Hill coach for first time
It didn't take long for Belichick merchandise to pop up on Franklin Street, with Chapel Hill Sportswear selling "Chapel Bill" t-shirts and sweatshirts.
"It’s an exciting time to be a Carolina football fan, certainly trying to chart a new course for college football and college athletics as a whole, so I’m intrigued to see how it’s going to go," said Ben Mihailovich, a UNC junior.
That excitement has carried over to businesses on Franklin Street.
"I can imagine Franklin Street’s going to be ripping at the seams," Young said.
Young is part of three generations of Tar Heels.
"We love Chapel Hill and I think it’s the best place on Earth, best on Earth to live and Bill Belichick is lucky to be coming here," Young said.
Owning the popular restaurant, he's had the opportunity to meet a slew of Tar Heels players and coaches over the years. He's looking forward to potentially welcoming the legendary head coach in the future.
"We’d sure wait on him hand and foot, that’s for sure," he said.
Business owners say the area is typically busy on Saturdays throughout the football season, but with Belichick on the sidelines beginning next season, they're anticipating even more people eager to come to Chapel Hill.