Bill Belichick allegedly spent weeks making sure UNC does not interact with any of Drake Maye’s highlights on their social media. Apart from this, the HC banned Patriots scouts from UNC practices. Even controlled what the Tar Heels could post about his former quarterback. But now the legendary coach is practically gushing about the QB’s incredible season during his television appearances.

On his latest appearance, breaking down this NFL season, Bill Belichick wasn’t holding back when the conversation shifted to the Patriots’ unexpected success. When asked about teams like Denver, Indianapolis, and yes, the Patriots at 7-2, the UNC HC acknowledged something that would’ve seemed impossible just a year ago. 

“Most everyone who’s been in strong competition will tell you that it’s a little bit easier to get to the top than just stay on top,” he explained. Referencing Washington’s situation from last year. But then came the real moment, the one that hints at some genuine respect for his former school’s star. “Certainly, Drake Maye had an outstanding year for the Patriots. You know they’ve won a couple of close games, and that’s really, you know, changed their record.”

That’s Belichick-speak for ‘this kid’s special.’ When the man who won six Super Bowls and spent 24 years building dynasties tells you someone had an “outstanding year,” you’re listening to someone who means it.​

The thing about the HC’s comment is that it actually understates what Maye has been doing out there. Through nine games, the 23-year-old has put up insane numbers. Against Tennessee earlier in the season, he set a Patriots franchise record with a 91.3% completion percentage, breaking Tom Brady’s previous mark of 88.5%. Patriots fans hadn’t seen anything like that in years.​ But, just weeks before Belichick started singing Maye’s praises on national television, he was reportedly trying to keep the UNC social media team from posting literally anything about the QB or the former team.

According to sources inside the UNC program, there was a directive from Belichick’s staff starting September 15th that the Tar Heels’ social media accounts should not tweet or retweet anything Patriots-related. Two separate sources confirmed it was a “legit directive” and “not a coincidence.” When Maye torched the Bills on Sunday Night Football, UNC didn’t post a single highlight. They were silent while other UNC alumni were getting celebrated all over their feed.

It felt like a deliberate choice, and the internet noticed. Fans absolutely blasted the program for not celebrating one of the most successful alumni in program history. The backlash got loud enough that UNC cracked less than two hours later. They finally posted a highlight reel of Maye’s throws against Buffalo, and the internet went nuts, 700,000 views in under an hour. But the damage was already done, and the whole situation left a sour taste.

This all traces back to something darker that’s been brewing between Belichick and the Patriots organization since before he even took the UNC job. In August, Belichick banned Patriots scouts from attending UNC practices. But something changed now. Maye’s success is undeniable, or maybe it’s because Belichick recognizes greatness when he sees it, even if he wasn’t the one coaching it.

Why Bill Belichick locked the doors

Bill Belichick spent 24 years building an empire in New England, pocketing an estimated $200 million and collecting six Super Bowl rings along the way. He was NFL royalty, running the show with an iron fist and Tom Brady as his perfect counterpart. But when things fell apart after the 4-13 disaster in 2023, the breakup got uglier than anyone anticipated.

Instead of a clean goodbye, Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft started taking shots at each other through the media. Kraft said hiring Belichick was a “big risk,” and the HC fired back with his own statement. Belichick completely banned Patriots scouts from UNC practices. No scouting access, no facility visits, nothing. When asked about it after his win over Charlotte, Belichick was blunt: “It’s evident that I’m not welcomed at their facility, so [they’re] not welcomed at ours. Quite straightforward.” He literally and figuratively closed doors to the organization that made him a legend.​

The Patriots’ scouts tried to watch practice in August and were literally denied the day before their scheduled visit. Other NFL teams get limited access to three practice sessions with restrictions on who they can talk to, but the Patriots? Zero access. It’s petty, sure, but it’s also a pretty clear statement about how badly the relationship deteriorated. That’s why the sudden praise for the QB Drake Maye came as a surprise for many.