Bill Belichick backed by former Patriots player amid bad start at UNC

Former New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski has come to the defense of his longtime coach, Bill Belichick, as the NFL legend endures a rough start to his first college coaching job at North Carolina.

Belichick’s Tar Heels are 2-4, losers of three straight, and mired in controversy after reports of locker room fights and potential NCAA violations surfaced earlier this month. The program’s struggles have made the 73-year-old Belichick an easy target. 

But Gostkowski tells TMZ Sports that Tar Heels fans simply need to stay patient.

“I can’t really say too much bad about him,” Gostkowski said. “I enjoyed working with him every minute of the day. I used to be scared to death of him. Maybe not so much anymore. But I’m pulling for him.”

Ex-Patriots Star Certain Bill Belichick Will 'Figure It Out' At UNC If Given Time https://t.co/r2dn3RIHIP pic.twitter.com/IC8maTq5bz

Gostkowski called Belichick “the best coach,” insisting that his former boss’s meticulous nature will translate to success in the college game once he has time to recruit and develop players. “If he puts the time in and they give him the time, they’ll figure it out,” Gostkowski said.

The endorsement comes amid fresh off-field drama for Belichick, including renewed discussion about his partnership with longtime confidant Michael Lombardi, who joined the Tar Heels staff after reportedly being dismissed from the Patriots in 2016 at owner Robert Kraft’s request.

Belichick, who signed a five-year, $50 million contract in December, told players he’s committed to seeing the project through despite outside speculation he might seek a buyout. 

North Carolina hosts No. 16 Virginia on Saturday, hoping to snap its three-game skid (Noon ET, ACCN). 

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