North Carolina fired offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens and special teams coordinator Mike Priefer after coach Bill Belichick’s first season in Chapel Hill ended at 4-8.
Belichick, who was hired exactly a year ago, made the announcement Friday morning.
“We want to thank Coach Kitchens and Coach Priefer for their commitment and many contributions to our program and student-athletes,” Belichick said in a statement. “We wish them both nothing but the best in their future endeavors.”
Kitchens, a member of former coach Mack Brown’s final staff, was promoted to offensive coordinator by Belichick. The Tar Heels’ offense was one of the worst in the ACC and the nation, ranking 129th in the country in total offense. UNC ranked 17th in the 17-team ACC in total offense and 16th in scoring offense and passing offense.
The Tar Heels were in the bottom half of the ACC in kickoff returns, punt returns and kickoffs. UNC allowed Duke to convert on a fake field goal that led to the Blue Devils’ 32-25 victory late in the season. NC State also converted on a fake punt in the regular-season finale against UNC.
Kitchens’ contract ran through the 2026 season. He was slated to be paid $1.2 million, up from his $1.15 million salary in 2025. Priefer, a long-time NFL coach, also had a two-year contract. He was paid $400,000 in 2025 and was scheduled to make $425,000 in 2026.
Under terms of their contracts, Kitchens and Priefer will be paid out for the rest of their contract term at their 2025 salary level. Both contracts include offset and mitigation language if the coaches were to find new jobs.
