Caleb Pickrell Promoted to North Carolina's Tight Ends Coach

Pickrell has spent the past four seasons in Chapel Hill as an offensive assistant and analyst.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 6:21pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the players and action on the field.North Carolina's coaching staff reshuffling continues as the program looks to rebuild and rebound from a disappointing 2022 season.Chapel Hill Today

Former offensive assistant Caleb Pickrell has been officially listed as North Carolina's tight ends coach on the school's website. Pickrell has spent the past four seasons in Chapel Hill as an offensive assistant and analyst, working with the offensive line in 2022 before transitioning to assist with the tight ends over the last three seasons.

Why it matters

The tight ends coaching position opened following the dismissal of offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens, who also coached the tight ends. Pickrell's promotion to the role suggests continuity and stability for the Tar Heels' offense as they look to build on their success from the 2022 season.

The details

According to UNC salary records, Pickrell's compensation has more than doubled for 2026, increasing from $90,000 to $200,000. A native of Lakeland, Fla., Pickrell joined North Carolina's staff ahead of the 2022 season after one year at UCF in 2021, following seven seasons coaching high school football in Texas and Florida.

  • Pickrell has spent the past four seasons in Chapel Hill as an offensive assistant and analyst.
  • Pickrell worked with the offensive line in 2022 before transitioning to assist with the tight ends over the last three seasons.
  • The tight ends coaching position opened following the dismissal of offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens on Dec. 12.

The players

Caleb Pickrell

Pickrell is now officially listed as North Carolina's tight ends coach after spending the past four seasons as an offensive assistant and analyst for the Tar Heels.

Freddie Kitchens

Kitchens was the former offensive coordinator and tight ends coach at North Carolina before being dismissed on Dec. 12.

Bill Belichick

Belichick, the head coach of the New England Patriots, commented on the hiring process for North Carolina's coaching staff before the start of the Tar Heels' spring practice on March 24.

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What they’re saying

“'Staff wise, we're working through the hiring process. So we'll have a couple announcements on the finalization of our staff in the near future. No timetable on that, but we're working through it, and that's just part of the process of hiring at a public university, but that's definitely moving along.'”

— Bill Belichick, Head Coach, New England Patriots

What’s next

The Tar Heels will continue their spring practice schedule as they prepare for the 2026 season, with Pickrell taking on his new role as tight ends coach.

The takeaway

Pickrell's promotion to tight ends coach provides stability and continuity for North Carolina's offense as they look to build on their success from the 2022 season. His increased compensation also reflects the value the program places on his contributions to the team.