Bill Belichick’s new era at North Carolina begins with a bold quarterback decision
The legendary New England Patriots head coach left the NFL in 2023 and will now have his first season as the Tar Heels' coach in the NCAA.
Bill Belichick will begin his career as head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels in the NCAA with a clash against Texas Christian University – and the former New England Patriots icon has already chosen his starting quarterback.
His first choice is Gio Lopez, who arrived in Chapel Hill in April after Max Johnson and Bryce Baker failed to impress. Lopez entered the NCAA transfer portal on April 14 and committed to the Tar Heels just three days later.
“Gio has progressed by tons. We’ve evaluated things during training camp and, as we prepare to face TCU, he’s our starting quarterback,” Belichick told WRAL News. “I feel comfortable with him and what he’s doing, and he’ll get better as we go, because that’s just what happens.”
Who is Gio Lopez?
After graduating from James Clemens High School in Alabama, Lopez committed to the South Alabama Jaguars in 2021 despite receiving offers from Troy, Charlotte, Jacksonville State, Fordham and UAB.
Over two seasons with the Jaguars he played in 16 games, throwing for 3,034 yards with 22 touchdown passes and just seven interceptions. A true dual-threat, he also rushed for 617 yards on 101 carries and scored seven touchdowns on the ground, according to South Alabama’s records.
In his final year with the Jaguars, Lopez earned an All-Sun Belt honorable mention. Now at North Carolina, he appears poised for an even greater leap forward – with teammates comparing him to Magic Johnson for his ability to create plays and complete passes.
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