Mike Vrabel opens Patriots’ door to Bill Belichick after UNC ban

Mike Vrabel addressed the drama involving Bill Belichick during his weekly radio spot on WEEI after the former Patriots coach all but confirmed that New England scouts were not welcome at North Carolina, where Belichick now coaches. 

Belichick commented for the first time on the multiple reports about UNC’s policy toward Patriots scouts following the Tar Heels’ win over Charlotte on Saturday, saying, “It’s clear I’m not welcome there around their facility and so they’re not welcome at ours.” 

Appearing on “The Greg Hill Show” on Monday, Vrabel noted Belichick returned to Gillette Stadium in June 2024 for Tom Brady’s Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony. 

“I guess [Belichick’s] welcome back based on the fact that he was there, so I’ll just go by that,” Vrabel said. “Since his departure as a head coach here, he’s been back, and I’ll leave it at that.” 

Belichick’s cantankerousness toward the Patriots has become more apparent since the two sides went their separate ways in January 2024 after Belichick led the team for 24 seasons and led New England to six Super Bowl titles. 

ESPN reported that Belichick’s relationship with Patriots owner Robert Kraft had been strained since his run as head coach came to an end, and a source told the outlet that Belichick’s comments were in reference to being treated with respect rather than him physically being there. 

Just last week, Kraft told WBZ-TV that he hoped to put up a statue of Belichick next to the one the organization built of Brady. 

“When Bill’s coaching career ends, we look forward to sitting down with him and having a statue made to be right next to Tommy,” Kraft told the outlet. 

Belichick picked up his first win as a college football head coach on Saturday with a 20-3 victory over Charlotte.