Bill Belichick, who won six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots and two as an assistant with the New York Giants, is in his first season as head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels after nearly 50 years in the NFL. The Tar Heels open their season in Dublin against Texas Christian University at Aviva Stadium. Punter Adam Mc Cann-Gibbs, a County Down teenager who transitioned from Gaelic football to college football, said he is 'blown away' by Belichick’s presence in team meetings and is learning from the 74-year-old coach’s knowledge of the game and life.

Mc Cann-Gibbs, who only took up American football recently, praised Belichick’s detail-oriented approach and said he is trying to 'soak up as much knowledge as we can.' Linebacker Derek Mc Donald, a transfer from Syracuse, echoed the sentiment, calling it 'pretty special' to work under Belichick and emphasizing the coach’s focus on process and doing things the right way. Meanwhile, Mc Cann-Gibbs has also sought advice from New Orleans Saints kicker Charlie Smyth, a fellow product of the Leader Kicking academy and a native of Mayobridge, fewer than 10 miles from Mc Cann-Gibbs’ home. Smyth, who started six games for the Saints last season, has been a major inspiration for the young punter, who hopes to follow a similar path to the NFL.

The game marks a significant moment for both the Tar Heels’ new era under Belichick and the growing transatlantic connection in college football.