Bill Belichick downplays Hall of Fame controversy, says focus remains on North Carolina football

Dree Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly, Adam Vinatieri, and Roger Craig are the Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Colin Cowherd asks if Bill Belichick should have been included.

Reports that first surfaced in January saying Bill Belichick would not be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame sparked strong reactions across the sports world.

Despite winning two Super Bowls as an assistant and six as Patriots coach, Belichick reportedly fell short of the Hall of Fame’s 50-vote threshold, raising questions about the voting process. The Pro Football Hall of Fame unveiled its 2026 class at NFL Honors — a list that did not include Belichick.

ESPN reported that Belichick was initially "puzzled" and "disappointed" by his omission and questioned what more he needed to do to be inducted immediately. While Belichick has largely avoided publicly addressing his Hall of Fame status, he offered a measured response Tuesday when asked about the controversy.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick with the team before the game at Kenan Stadium. (Bob Donnan/Imagn Images)

"I'm focused on coaching this team and focused on getting Carolina football to the highest level I can. That's what I've always… I focus about what I can do, and things that are not in my control, I don't worry about," he told reporters as North Carolina opened spring camp.

UNC GM MICHAEL LOMBARDI CLAIMS 'FAKE STORIES' HELPED UNDERMINE BILL BELICHICK’S DEBUT SEASON

Belichick led North Carolina to a 4-8 record in his first season coaching in Chapel Hill, but a string of off-field headlines largely overshadowed the program.

During last year’s widely discussed "CBS Sunday Morning" interview, Jordon Hudson faced