North Carolina football coach Bill Belichick is just one vote away from induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame — and he might be joined in the Class of 2026 by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

Belichick, who won six Super Bowl titles with the Patriots during a 24-year coaching stint with the franchise, is the coach finalist. Belichick, quarterback Tom Brady and Kraft, the team’s chairman since 1994, are heralded as the long-term key to the Patriots’ dynasty.

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But Belichick and Kraft have feuded since Belichick was dismissed after the 2023 season. Kraft reportedly hurt Belichick’s chances of getting another NFL job, particularly with the Atlanta Falcons, and a Kraft-approved documentary about the Patriots’ dynasty diminished Belichick’s role in the team’s success, which included nine Super Bowl appearances.

Belichick has barred Patriots’ scouts from the UNC facility, saying it’s clear he’s not welcome in New England and so they aren’t welcome in Chapel Hill.

Belichick won 333 NFL games (regular season and playoffs) as a head coach with the Cleveland Browns and Patriots. He is second in NFL history behind Don Shula’s 347. Belichick also won two Super Bowls as defensive coordinator of the New York Giants.

Belichick, Kraft and senior player finalists Ken Andersen (Cincinnati quarterback), Roger Craig (San Francisco running back) and L.C. Greenwood (Pittsburgh defensive linemen) need approval from 80% of the full selection committee, which meets next year. Members can only vote for three of the five finalists. If none reach 80%, then the individual with the highest vote total will be chosen for induction in 2026.

There are 26 players on the modern era ballot. At least three and at most five will be selected for induction. That list includes quarterback Eli Manning, who defeated Belichick’s Patriots in two Super Bowls, former NC State quarterback Philip Rivers and former Wolfpack receiver Torry Holt as well as former Carolina Panthers Steve Smith Jr. and Luke Kuechly. The ballot includes defensive lineman Vince Wolfork, kicker Adam Vinatieri and defensive back Rodney Harrison, key members of the Belichick-era Patriots.

Belichick went 4-8 in his first season at UNC. He said that he has not and will not pursue any NFL coaching positions.