Bill Belichick Names Max Johnson Starting QB in College Debut

Bill Belichick made his college football coaching debut at North Carolina by switching quarterbacks in a game against TCU, replacing Gio Lopez with Max Johnson, a sixth-year senior returning from a severe leg injury. Johnson, son of former NFL quarterback Brad Johnson, impressed by efficiently passing seven of his first eight attempts and throwing a late red zone touchdown to his brother Jake, providing an emotional highlight in a difficult game for the Tar Heels. Lopez, a South Alabama transfer, started strong but was shut down by TCU’s defense, completing just four of ten passes for 69 yards before being replaced. The game saw TCU dominate, building a commanding lead and demonstrating why they are considered a top Big 12 contender under coach Sonny Dykes. Belichick’s decision to bench Lopez in favor of Johnson reflects his early efforts to find a reliable quarterback amid a challenging season for North Carolina. Meanwhile, Belichick's personal life attracted attention due to the unusual dynamic of dating a woman the same age as his quarterback.