Gio Lopez, a transfer from South Alabama, is a strong candidate to be the starter in the Tar Heels’ Sept. 1 opener against TCU. Last year’s opening-day starter, Max Johnson, is also in the mix.

Belichick was also asked whether he would have returned to coaching if he knew his personal life was going to be a big story. Again, he downplayed the issue, saying a lot of the "noise" is a result of his book, which he worked on while he was away from coaching. He quipped that he hopes the book will be a "big purchase on Father's Day."