UNC sticks with Belichick (for now), but shouldn’t stick with Kitchens calling plays

Bill Belichick isn’t going anywhere. At least not yet. If UNC is serious about salvaging what’s left of this season and protecting its significant long-term investment, Belichick must act decisively to fix what’s broken. That will involve a lot that’s out of public view that fans only know through reporting. But a good start will be to replace offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens, a holdover from Coach Mack Brown’s staff.

Stitched in tradition: The legends who wore numbers this season’s Tar Heels will don

In Chapel Hill, jersey numbers are more than just identifiers. They’re heirlooms that hang from the Smith Center rafters after legendary Tar Heels wear them. Each number stitched onto a Carolina blue uniform carries echoes of past players, championship runs and unforgettable moments. For this season’s team, the numbers they wear link them to legends, role players and stories that span generations.

Nivar steps into spotlight as UNC’s defensive stopper, a senior leader

CHARLOTTE — With Lexi Donarski gone, there’s little mystery about who will likely take on the toughest defensive assignments for North Carolina this season. Senior guard Indya Nivar, the Tar Heels’ best returning defensive player, is ready to embrace that challenge, and as one of the team’s veterans, she’ll do it while leading a younger, retooled backcourt.

New faces, familiar ambitions for UNC women after offseason of transition

CHARLOTTE — Most coaches replacing three starters, including a decorated five-year player, face significant challenges. It’s not as if North Carolina coach Courtney Banghart wouldn’t love to have forward Alyssa Ustby, center Maria Gakdeng and guard Lexi Donarski back. But the influx of six talented players, including an incoming recruiting class ESPN ranked No. 5, along with stars returning, could make that transition easier after last season’s Sweet 16 run.