Overview
- On3's Hayes Fawcett reported Baker's decision Monday, just hours after reports that Bill Belichick plans to hire Bobby Petrino as offensive coordinator.
- Baker did not play in 2025 while backing up starter Gio Lopez as Max Johnson and Au'Tori Newkirk took game snaps.
- Lopez is planning to remain with North Carolina, according to On3 reporting cited by Bleacher Report.
- Johnson has already entered the portal this month, creating immediate questions about the depth behind Lopez for 2026.
- UNC finished 4-8 in Belichick's first season, and the offense struggled, adding to the uncertainty at quarterback heading into the offseason.