CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WBTV) – Bill Belichick, the University of North Carolina’s new head football coach, received a warm reception when he was introduced to the crowd at a UNC men’s basketball game Saturday afternoon.

The 72-year-old appeared during halftime of the La Salle-Heels matchup on Saturday, Dec. 14.

“Welcome to the Smith Center, Coach Belichick!” the Tar Heels wrote on Instagram, alongside photos of the eight-time Super Bowl champion being introduced to the crowd.

Belichick was invited onto the court, waving to the crowd, soaking up applause.

During his introductory press conference on Thursday, Dec. 12, he spoke on many topics, including his excitement to get started at UNC.

“I’ve always wanted to coach in college football,” Belichick said. “This is really kind of a dream come true.”

When asked why he continues to do the job even at his age, he quipped: “It beats working. My dad told me this: when you love what you do … it’s not work. I love what I do. I love coaching.”

Belichick now leads a program that hasn’t seen an ACC Championship since 1980.

“I want to do everything I can to take it [the program] to the highest level,” Belichick said.

Also read: UNC legend Julius Peppers inducted into College Football Hall of Fame: ‘One of the greatest’

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