Bill Belichick heads back to college, Buffalo Bills travel to Detroit Lions - 5 NFL storylines

Michael McQuaid of Pro Football Ireland looks at some of the key storylines ahead of the 15th week of the NFL season, which gets under way tonight (1.15am Irish time) with the visit of the Los Angeles Rams to the San Francisco 49ers.

Bill Belichick returns

The legendary NFL coach is making a move that many did not see coming.

It was reported on Thursday that the former New England Patriots head coach would make the move to college football, a return to the sidelines after agreeing a five-year contract to take over at the North Carolina Tar Heels.

College football is entering a different phase, with an expanded play-off system that allows for teams to be more competitive.

Next week, a 12-team competition starts and the interest in the game will reach a new level.

Belichick's NFL window is now more than likely closed, but he will aim to take North Carolina - a school which is known more for its basketball - to the heights of the sport in football.

With NIL (name, image and likeness) monetary deals allowing college players to be remunerated, we are entering an unseen period in the game, with the legendary coach at the helm.

Belichick has the chance to become the fourth coach to win a Super Bowl and a national championship to stand alongside names such as Barry Switzer, Jimmy Johnson and Pete Carroll.

The 72-year-old is expected to radically change the concept of a college team, most notably in his staffing.

Former NFL executive and Patriots assistant coach Michael Lombardi is joining Belichick’s programme as a general manager, with many more big names expected to join over the next few weeks.

Going international

The NFL is expected to continue to add to its international offering over the next few years and Berlin was added to its