Source – Talks underway between North Carolina and Bill Belichick

Talks are continuing between North Carolina and Bill Belichick for an open head coaching position at the school, according to sources.

Sources told ESPN that talks between UNC and the 73-year-old Belichick are continuing and that some kind of resolution is expected from either side this week. Belichick is expected to make several public appearances this week, which could provide some clarity on his level of interest.

With the NCAA transfer portal opening on Monday, UNC’s roster is potentially in flux. Sources told ESPN that Belichick met with UNC officials at least once in New York last week and that talks are continuing.

Tulane coach Jon Sumrall will no longer be attached to the position. Sources told ESPN late Sunday that Sumrall informed Tulane officials that he would remain at the school and would not pursue an open power conference job.

He and Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith were the two names most prominently linked to the job when it began. Smith is no longer in the job. Iowa State’s Matt Campbell is not expected to be a candidate.

UNC has also spoken with Army’s Jeff Monken about an opening, a source told ESPN’s Chris Low.

It’s unclear how deep the talks between UNC and Belichick are, according to sources, other than that they have been ongoing for a long time.

Sources said the UNC search is fragmented due to uncertainty in the industry about who runs it. Board Chairman John P. Preyer has been a key advocate for Belichick throughout the entire process, activating school groups in support of Belichick’s potential hiring.

Some people connected to Belichick are skeptical that he will take the job because he has never worked for a college football team. Others say he was sincere and thorough in his own interests and would like to get back on the sidelines.

There are issues looming over Belichick’s courtship, including the potential role for his son Stephen Belichick, UNC’s NIL resources, Belichick’s salary and resources for his staff.

There are signs in the industry that Belichick is still involved in the job.

Representatives of the UNC group hypothetically discussed potential interest from players if Belichick were to take the job. They discussed the idea, although they stressed that nothing had been done.

Sources said third-party agencies are bringing in potential employees for college jobs if the deal goes through. Sources say Belichick’s quest includes a dive into nearly every aspect of college coaching and what it looks like.