The North Carolina Tar Heels rocked the college football world this week when it was announced that legendary NFL head coach Bill Belichick was going to be taking over the football program as its next head coach.

Belichick, who was fired last year by the New England Patriots after 24 seasons and six Super Bowl titles, has been out of coaching for the last year and mainly sticking to media appearances. Belichick is arguably the greatest coach in the history of the NFL, but in his 49-year coaching career has never coached at the college level.

Despite the inexperience, Alabama Crimson Tide legend and former player and assistant coach under Belichick, Dont’a Hightower, offered high praise for the new hire.

“I knew he’d be coaching wherever it is,” Hightower said via AL.com. “He’s a hell of a coach. He obviously loves it. Everybody who sees him on there with Peyton Manning knows how much knowledge he drops. He’s a great coach – very knowledgeable. I’m excited for him. He’s a good coach. Honestly, just wish him the best. He brought me in and taught me a lot of stuff, so I’m sure he’ll do those kids right.”

Hightower was one of the best linebackers of the Nick Saban era, starring at the program from 2008-11. He became a first-round pick in New England and helped the team win three Super Bowls over his decade-long career.

Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.