Former Alabama Assistant Was Contender for UNC Job

Shockwaves were sent through the college football world as former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick agreed to a deal to become the 35th head coach at the University of North Carolina.

The six-time Super Bowl champion and three-time AP NFL Coach of the Year inked a $10 million-a-year deal, keeping him in Chapel Hill for five years.

However, the Tarheels had a contingency plan in case negotiations with Belichick fell through.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, North Carolina had zeroed in on former Alabama offensive coordinator and current Cleveland Browns passing game coordinator, and tight ends coach Tommy Rees as their top backup option if a deal with Belichick broke down.

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Rees had reportedly interviewed for the job twice.

Schefter also reported that former Alabama head coach Nick Saban was a big advocate for Rees.

However, with the hiring of Bill Belichick, Rees is set to stay in Cleveland as the Browns look to scrape themselves out of the last-place spot in the AFC North.

Rees and the Browns will play the Kansas City Chiefs in Cleveland this Sunday.

For more Alabama Baseball, Basketball, and Football content from Simon Besnoy, follow him on X/Twitter at @SimonBesnoy and stay tuned to Tide1009.com for daily news.