Manny Diaz has seen a lot during his football coaching career, but even he admits there’s something different about this. As the head coach at Duke, Diaz is ushering in a new era in Durham—a new chapter with championship ambitions and a confident swagger. But now, the ACC is witnessing something even more unexpected and, in Diaz’s words, “potentially transformational.” That’s because Bill Belichick, the six-time Super Bowl champion and longtime head coach of the New England Patriots, has officially joined the fold—reportedly taking a senior advisory role at the University of North Carolina.
For Diaz, who was hired by Duke in December 2023 and has spent much of his first year reshaping the Blue Devils into a tougher, faster, and more disciplined program, the arrival of Belichick into the conference isn’t a threat. It’s an opportunity. One he wholeheartedly embraces.
“Look, any time someone like Coach Belichick steps into your world, you better sit up straight,” Diaz said with a smile. “He’s the gold standard in our profession. I think it’s phenomenal for the ACC. It raises the stakes, it raises the IQ, and it raises the pressure—which is exactly what you want when you’re trying to build something great.”
Belichick’s appointment at UNC shocked the college football world. After parting ways with the Patriots earlier this year, many expected the legendary coach to step away from the sidelines for good, or perhaps head into broadcasting or an executive position with an NFL front office. Few anticipated a return to college football—especially in an advisory role that will see him assist North Carolina head coach Mack Brown with game-planning, culture, and overall football operations.
And even fewer expected him to step into the middle of the South’s most iconic college sports feud: Duke vs. North Carolina.
Diaz, however, is thrilled.
“This rivalry is already one of the most intense in all of sports. It’s steeped in history, tradition, and passion. Adding Coach Belichick to that equation? That’s gasoline on the fire. And I’m here for it,” Diaz said. “I welcome it. I want our guys to feel what it means to go head-to-head with the best.”
For decades, the Duke-North Carolina rivalry has primarily been defined by basketball greatness. From Coach K to Dean Smith to Roy Williams, and now Jon Scheyer and Hubert Davis, the hardwood battles between the Blue Devils and Tar Heels have captured national attention. But lately, the football component of the rivalry has become more competitive, more spirited, and significantly more relevant.
Diaz believes Belichick’s involvement will only accelerate that shift.
“This is a football conference, make no mistake,” Diaz said. “Clemson, Florida State, Miami—these programs have pushed the standard. But now we’re entering a phase where every school has to ask themselves, ‘Are we serious about football?’ And Carolina just answered that question emphatically.”
For Diaz and Duke, the challenge is twofold: build a sustainable football program that can consistently compete for ACC championships while simultaneously maintaining bragging rights in one of the sport’s most personal rivalries. Belichick’s presence doesn’t change those goals—but it does make the job more compelling.
“I’ve always respected Coach Belichick for how he sees the game,” Diaz said. “He doesn’t just watch tape—he dissects the DNA of football. His influence will be profound, especially for young men trying to understand what excellence really looks like. But we’re not going to back down from that. We’re going to meet that challenge head-on.”
Asked whether he views Belichick’s addition as intimidating, Diaz laughed.
“Not at all. You don’t get into this profession to avoid greatness—you want to compete against it. When we line up against Carolina, whether it’s in Durham or Chapel Hill, our kids are going to know exactly what kind of game they’re in. That’s a gift. It’s not every day you get to outcoach or outplay someone connected to that level of football knowledge.”
What makes the situation even more fascinating is the contrast in styles. Diaz, known for his aggressive defenses, emotional sideline demeanor, and creative blitz packages, brings a high-energy, modern approach to coaching. Belichick, by contrast, is methodical, analytical, and often stoic. It sets up a classic clash of cultures that should play out over the next several years on the field—and in the minds of fans across the country.
“I’m not going to try to guess what Coach Belichick is going to do with Carolina,” Diaz said. “That’s probably a losing game. But I know what we’re going to do. We’re going to keep building Duke football the right way. We’re going to win with integrity, toughness, and a relentless pursuit of greatness. And if Coach Belichick wants to be a part of the drama? Great. The more legends, the better.”
Despite his enthusiasm, Diaz is under no illusions about the challenges ahead. His team is still young, and Duke’s climb toward national relevance is a steep one. But he also knows that moments like these—when titans of the game enter the picture—can be galvanizing.
“This will raise the bar for recruiting, for preparation, for everything,” Diaz said. “You think a kid from Charlotte or Atlanta isn’t going to take a second look when he hears Belichick is helping UNC build something? Of course he will. But that also means we have to be even sharper. We have to show that Duke is a place where you can become elite too.”
Indeed, Diaz has already been making waves on the recruiting trail, securing several high-profile commitments and earning praise for his early development plans. Now, with Belichick looming just down the road, the spotlight has only intensified. And that, according to Diaz, is the way it should be.
“I want the ACC to be the toughest, most competitive conference in the country,” Diaz said. “If that means going toe-to-toe with a living legend like Coach Belichick, then bring it on. That’s what it means to be at Duke. That’s what it means to compete in the Triangle.”
Though no date has been announced for Belichick’s official on-field debut in Carolina blue, the anticipation is already building for the next installment of the Duke-UNC football rivalry. Last season, North Carolina eked out a 47-45 victory over the Blue Devils in double overtime—a game filled with drama, late heroics, and hard-hitting football. With Belichick now in the fold and Diaz on a mission to elevate Duke, the 2025 edition promises to be even more intense.
“That game was already a war,” Diaz said, referencing the 2024 thriller. “Now? Now it’s a war with generals who’ve seen it all. I can’t wait.”
Whether Belichick’s influence at North Carolina will result in immediate on-field success remains to be seen. But what’s already certain is that his presence has injected the ACC—and particularly the Duke-UNC rivalry—with a level of national intrigue that few anticipated.
For Diaz, that’s a win in and of itself.
“People are watching us,” he said. “The spotlight’s on the ACC in a way it hasn’t been for a long time in football. That’s what you want. That’s why you coach. And that’s why we’re going to be ready when the time comes.”
And so, a new chapter begins. One of the greatest football minds of all time is now part of the most storied rivalry in college athletics. And Manny Diaz? He’s standing at midfield, arms wide open, ready for the challenge.
“Welcome to the rivalry, Coach Belichick,” Diaz said, grinning. “Let’s make it unforgettable.”
