Merry Christmas. I hope the holidays are full of cheer for all of you reading this.
North Carolina’s football program could use some of that cheer. The Tar Heels failed to reach a bowl game for the first time since 2018, and instead of packing up for a postseason trip, they’re home for the holidays. Because of that, a lot needs to change, inside and out.
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Here are three Christmas wishes UNC will want for next season.
Offensive Coordinator
Nov 29, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks interim head coach Bobby Petrino prior to a game against the Missouri Tigers at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
This is high on any UNC fan’s wish list, if it isn’t No. 1. Given how bad North Carolina was offensively — the Tar Heels ranked 119th nationally in scoring (19.3 points per game) and 129th in total offense (288.8 yards per game) — getting the right offensive coordinator is a must. They need a play-caller who is experienced, capable of handling the job and not beholden to Bill Belichick’s input on offense, given that he is a defensive coach.
Bobby Petrino appears to be that person for UNC, and there are reports that both sides are finalizing a deal. If it gets done, we likely will not find out until after Christmas or early in the new year. If it is not Petrino, North Carolina could pivot to another big name, such as Chip Kelly.
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Regardless, Belichick cannot afford another season like last year, and he has to get this hire right. Once he has an offensive coordinator in place, it becomes much easier to identify and land the right transfer-portal targets to fit that system.
Complementary Football
WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 15: Robby Ashford #2 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons reacts after a play as Melkart Abou Jaoude #9 of the North Carolina Tar Heels walks away during the second half of a football game at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
North Carolina did not play complementary football at all last season. Most of the time, the defense had to cover for the offense’s struggles, highlighted by the nine sacks the Tar Heels recorded against Virginia in a 17-16 loss. There were also games when the defense faltered — TCU and NC State come to mind.
You could argue the Tar Heels played complementary football against Syracuse, the only time they topped 400 yards of offense during the 2025 campaign. But Syracuse was starting a walk-on quarterback who was a better lacrosse player than a football player, a star on the Orange’s lacrosse team. That is the kind of matchup Carolina fans hope to see more of next season.
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Just Be Normal
WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 15: Head Coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on before a football game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
North Carolina did not act like a normal program at all last season. From its disastrous season opener to banning NFL scouts to one of the craziest bye weeks anyone had seen, it was one distraction after another, on and off the field. And while Bill Belichick’s girlfriend, Jordan Hudson, has nothing to do with football, the optics around that situation have not helped, either.
For a coach who built his reputation on “do your job” and limiting distractions, Belichick has overseen a program that has lurched from one embarrassing story to the next. Something has to change next season.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Football: Three needs on Tar Heels’ Christmas list
