Recent Panthers Draft Pick Makes Plea to Join Bill Belichick at UNC

Bill Belichick stunned most in the football world with the shocking news he was taking over the North Carolina Tar Heels' program and now former Panthers LB Andre Smith Jr. is lobbying to join the legendary coach's staff.

Smith was a seventh-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and is currently a free agent after being released by the Broncos' practice squad. Belichick is still working on filling out his staff but someone like Smith, who starred as a Tar Heel in college, could make sense as an assistant.

The Panthers aren't interested in re-signing Smith. To save his career in football, he might have to turn to coaching now.

Former Panthers LB Andre Smith Jr. Lobbies Bill Belichick to Hire Him

The social media post was seemingly in jest, though there was likely still some truth to the request. Smith spent two years in Carolina, appearing in 19 games, and has 62 games to his name during a six-year career.

At this point, Smith's days in the NFL appear to be over. He wasn't picked up by any team's practice squad this year and while he's only 27 years old, it could be wise to start thinking about a new role.

In four years at North Carolina, Smith had 187 tackles, nine tackles for loss, five deflected passes, two sacks and two forced fumbles. For a program wanting to recapture some magic and become a perennial contender for the College Football Playoff and a championship, bringing back an old standout could help bridge the gap between the new guard and old.

Belichick will likely have a learning curve. He knows football as well as anyone. That said, the college ranks now involve NIL money, the transfer portal, and internal politics that don't exist at the professional level.

The future Hall of Famer will have to learn how to navigate all of these challenges. Whether it's Smith or not, putting someone who recently experienced playing in college is a decision Belichick strongly needs to consider.

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