At one point, Michigan appeared to be in a strong position to land Thaddeus Dixon, the No. 2 ranked cornerback in the 2024 recruiting class. However, as the recruitment process wore on, the Wolverines’ chances began to slip away. On Saturday, Dixon made it official by committing to North Carolina, passing on Michigan and other top programs to play for the Tar Heels.Dixon, a standout cornerback from Washington, never made the trip to Ann Arbor for a visit, despite Michigan being heavily involved in his recruitment early on. Instead, Dixon visited both Ole Miss and North Carolina, where the opportunity to play under future Hall of Fame coach Bill Belichick ultimately swayed his decision. The chance to work with one of the greatest football minds in history was simply too enticing for Dixon to pass up.
Bill Belichick’s Move to North Carolina: A Game-Changer
In December 2024, Belichick shocked the football world when he signed a five-year deal to become the head coach of the University of North Carolina football team. Belichick, the former head coach of the New England Patriots, is widely regarded as one of the greatest leaders and coaches in NFL history. He is the second-winningest coach in NFL history, with a legacy built on a relentless focus on discipline, preparation, and winning championships. Under his leadership, the Patriots won six Super Bowls, cementing his place as a coaching legend.
North Carolina’s football
For Dixon, the opportunity to play for Belichick in college is a rare and significant one. Belichick’s coaching record is unmatched, and his ability to develop top-tier players has made any team he’s coaching a dream destination for elite athletes. Belichick’s history with the Tar Heels goes back a long way. His father, Steve Belichick, served as an assistant coach at North Carolina from 1953 to 1955—which likely played a role in Bill’s decision to join the program.
To Dixon’s advantage, the Tar Heels are backing Belichick with a massive financial commitment. His contract includes a $10 million budget for assistant coaches, $5.3 million for support staff, and $1 million for strength and conditioning. These resources will help to ensure that North Carolina’s football program is well-equipped to compete at the highest level, making it an even more attractive destination for a player like Dixon.
