I think one of Belichick's biggest issues is roster construction. Last year, he brought in 29 HS players and 41 transfers. For 2026, UNC has 36 HS commits. The team is not good this year, so why is he planning on signing 36 HS players who won't have much of an impact next year?
Some people are comparing what Belichick is doing with what Sanders did at Colorado. The two situations are not comparable. Sanders inherited a 1-11 team that had one winning season in 17 years. Belichick inherited a 6-7 team that had gone to 6 straight bowls.
Sanders brought in 2 stud transfers his first year, his son Shadeur and Travis Hunter, and he continues to focus on the transfer portal. Based on the 36 HS recruits for 2026, it seems like Belichick wants to run a development program which will take longer to turn around. Sanders won in year 2, and Sanders' first year schedule included 6 Top 25 teams. UNC may not even play a top 25 team this year.