Even though Bill Belichick is just 14 wins away from Don Shula’s all-time NFL head coaching wins record, the former Patriots head coach isn’t limiting his next career choice to just the professional ranks.

Belichick reportedly interviewed for the University of North Carolina’s open head coaching job last week. Former UNC head coach Mack Brown was fired late last month.

Current Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo was asked about Belichick interviewing for the Tar Heels job Monday on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show.”

“He is a great coach. And to me, it doesn’t matter if you’re a young man or a 10-year vet in the league, like he’s a great teacher. And I wish him nothing, but but the best. It doesn’t really matter what level, I think he’ll be successful.”

Mayo asked WEEI co-host and Patriots Super Bowl champion Jermaine Wiggins how he would have felt if Belichick walked into his living room to recruit him.

Wiggins said he would be excited at the thought that Belichick could get him to the NFL.

“I agree,” Mayo said.

There are already three openings for head coaching jobs across the NFL, the Saints, Jets and Bears. More openings are expected, including the Jaguars.

Don’t expect Belichick to join the Jets, but if a team that’s talented on paper is looking for a quick turnaround, he could be a solid choice. But if, like last year, he doesn’t receive heavy interest around the league, he could always move over to the college game, where his oldest son, Steve Belichick, is currently the defensive coordinator at the University of Washington.

Mayo played under Belichick from 2008 to 2015, when he retired from the NFL. He coached under Belichick from 2019 to 2023. The Patriots fired Belichick after the 2023 season, when he went 4-13. The Patriots are currently 3-10 this season under Mayo.

Belichick has been working in the media this season.