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As expected, Belichick said he's focused on the next opponent on the schedule. Bill Belichick’s response to the vacant Giants job: North Carolina football is now 4-5 on the season following a second consecutive win — a 20-15 victory over Stanford last Saturday. Just in time for a possible midseason surge are the latest rumors about Bill Belichick’s return to the NFL. With the Giants’ recent decision to fire Brian Daboll after he compiled a 20-40-1 record in three-and-a-half seasons in New York, one of the jobs that New England’s longtime coach had historical ties to is now vacant. Would Belichick consider a return to the NFL at the age of 73? Asked about it during a Tuesday UNC press conference, the eight-time Super Bowl winner had a recognizable response. “Getting ready for Wake Forest, that’s all I got this week,” Belichick replied. The Tar Heels travel to play Wake Forest on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. “I’ve been asked about [a potential NFL comeback] from time-to-time,” Belichick added. “Look, I’ve been down this road before. I’m focused on Wake Forest, that’s it. That’s my commitment to this team. Next week it’ll be to our next opponent and so forth. I’m here to do the best I can for this team.” Patriots fans will undoubtedly have a sense of familiarity hearing Belichick’s terse response. But amid the many questions that have already developed about his commitment to UNC and the quality of the program that’s been built so far, the longtime New England head coach has steadfastly maintained that he wants to see the project through. Belichick’s connections to the Giants go back to his time as an assistant coach under Bill Parcells. He eventually rose to become the team’s defensive coordinator, directing a talented unit that helped New York win two Super Bowls. Trivia: Bill Belichick rose to prominence as an NFL coach during his time with the Giants, but New York wasn’t his first stop in the league. Can you recall the first NFL team that Belichick worked for? (Answer at the bottom.) Hint: The team has since relocated. Scores and schedules: The Bruins defeated the Maple Leafs 5-3 at TD Garden on Tuesday. On Thursday, the Bruins will travel to Ottawa to play the Senators at 7 p.m. Also from Tuesday, the Celtics lost to the 76ers 102-100. Tonight, Boston will host the Grizzlies at 7:30 p.m. Tomorrow, the Patriots play the Jets at Gillette Stadium, with kickoff set for 8:15 p.m. More from Boston.com: Jaylen Brown, Celtics drop another close loss to 76ers: 8 takeaways Pastrnak scores twice, hits 400-goal milestone as Bruins beat Maple Leafs David Pastrnak’s 400th career goal with Bruins was fitting — for several reasons Several key Patriots players still limited in latest injury report Jeff Passan maps out ‘perfect’ offseason move for the Red Sox As Patriots’ young core grows, Stefon Diggs calls Mike Vrabel a ‘perfect parent’ to guide them Patriots have a new secret weapon on offense in 335-pound defensive tackle What Joe Thornton said about the Bruins during his Hall of Fame induction speech Patrice Bergeron was asked about possible 2026 Hall of Fame induction Mic’d up Christian Gonzalez: The talented cornerback had his hands full against the Buccaneers, creating some interesting mic’d up soundbites. On this day: In 1982, the Celtics defeated the Mavericks 118-110 at the Boston Garden, with Larry Bird totaling a game-high 26 points (and seven blocks from Kevin McHale). Daily highlight: David Pastrnak marked a milestone in style, scoring his 400th career goal in customarily skillful fashion. Trivia answer: Baltimore Colts
