Ex-North Carolina QB Gio Lopez Criticizes Belichick Program After Transfer to Wake Forest

Former North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez criticized the Bill Belichick-led program in a recent ESPN interview after transferring to Wake Forest.

Lopez had moved to North Carolina from South Alabama before the 2025 season. He appeared in 11 games for the Tar Heels, throwing for 1,747 yards and 10 touchdowns. The team finished 4-8 in Belichick's first year as coach.

Lopez spoke out late last month about his experience. "Back at the other school, it felt like there's no air," he said. "Here, it's fun again. They're moving us in the right direction, energized, and guys are enjoying football. It's like fresh air. I'd never had to respond to tough situations like that on that loud of a scale."

Belichick coached the New England Patriots for 24 seasons in the NFL, winning six Super Bowl titles. He joined North Carolina after leaving New England and applied his professional background to the college team.

Lopez called his time there "more like work." "After that first game, it felt like getting through the day. You don't want to live like that, where you're up at night thinking about the next day," he added.

Gio's father, Barney Lopez, also took issue with the program's management. "The situation there -- I'm not a Super Bowl champion, so I don't know, but I don't think it was handled in the best way for college football, for students and players," he told ESPN. "It set my son backwards."

Lopez now plays for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, listed on the depth chart alongside redshirt freshman Steele Pizzella. The team, coached by Jake Dickert, went 9-4 in 2025 and won the Duke's Mayo Bowl. Rob Ezell serves as offensive coordinator.

Wake Forest opens its season September 3 against the Akron Zips.

North Carolina general manager Mike Lombardi defended Belichick against critics in March.