What started here will continue. I had the privilege of knowing Natrone and his wife Shonda when we were young attending college at UNC. In fact, I was there when they first started dating! It’s an exciting and well-deserved move for someone I hold in the highest regard. My former running back and friend, Natrone Means (#20), one of the most talented players I’ve had the privilege to play alongside, has been named the new running backs coach for the University of North Carolina. With his wealth of experience both on and off the field, this appointment is not only a personal triumph for Natrone but a huge win for the entire UNC Tar Heel football program.
Means, a Tar Heel icon, left his mark as one of the best to ever don the Carolina blue. He spent this year as an offensive analyst for the HEELS, and officially sat in wait until he got the news today (January 31, 2025) that he would again rejoin the program he once helped elevate, yet in a different capacity. Bill Belichick, a name synonymous with excellence in football, made the announcement, underscoring the faith that the Patriots’ legendary coach has in Means’ ability to develop talent at the highest level.
From the Gridiron to the Sideline: A Storied Career
Natrone Means’ transition from standout player to successful coach has been a remarkable journey. After a career that spanned seven seasons in the NFL—culminating in a Super Bowl appearance with the San Diego Chargers—Means has devoted the past two decades to nurturing young talent as a coach at various levels.
His coaching journey began in 2005 at Livingstone College, where he started as a running backs coach and quickly rose to offensive coordinator in 2006. His career in coaching has been marked by significant stops, including stints as offensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Fayetteville State University and Winston-Salem State University. Over the years, Means’ coaching expertise has shone through as he honed his craft, helping develop future stars while also impacting the lives of countless student-athletes.
A Leader Who Knows What it Takes
Means’ unique perspective as a former All-ACC running back at UNC gives him invaluable insight into what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Not only was Means a standout player for the Tar Heels, racking up over 3,000 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns during his college career, but his subsequent NFL career helped him refine the skills that now serve as the foundation of his coaching philosophy.
As a professional, Means made history with the San Diego Chargers, earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 1994 after rushing for 1,350 yards and 12 touchdowns. His youthful exuberance also led him to become the youngest player (22 years old) to score a touchdown in Super Bowl XXIX, a record that still resonates with fans to this day.
His return to coaching at UNC in 2021 as an offensive analyst under Head Coach Mack Brown marked the beginning of his full-circle journey back to the program, and legendary ball coach, that helped launch his career. Now, as the new running backs coach, Means will bring his wealth of experience, passion, and mentorship to a new generation of Tar Heel players.
A Family Legacy and a Coaching Vision
Throughout his coaching career, Means has shown a deep commitment to developing young athletes both on and off the field. His tenure in the NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship Program with teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers further solidified his reputation as a mentor capable of unlocking the potential in every player.
But his true passion lies in developing the character of young men, helping them prepare for life beyond football. Means’ work as the Regional Scouting Director for Collegiate Sports of America and as Running Back Lead for the Nike Football Training Camps demonstrated his ability to guide athletes toward the right opportunities while helping them understand the bigger picture of life, discipline, and hard work.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for UNC Football
As Means steps into his new role, the excitement surrounding his return to Carolina cannot be overstated. The Tar Heels’ running back corps is in excellent hands under his leadership. With a rich history of success both as a player and coach, Means will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of Tar Heel running backs to reach new heights and create their own legacies.
With Bill Belichick’s endorsement and the collective support of the UNC football family, Natrone Means is ready to make an impact on the field once again—this time, as a coach shaping the future of the program.
A Full Circle Journey
For those who watched Means dominate the field in the 1990s, his return to Carolina feels like a story of destiny. From setting records at UNC to carving out a distinguished career in the NFL, Means has always been about perseverance, passion, and excellence.
As the new running back coach for the Tar Heels, Natrone Means is primed to leave an even bigger impact on UNC football. It’s more than just a reunion—it’s a moment that brings back memories of greatness, while looking ahead to the bright future of Tar Heel football.
Congratulations, Nate “Nitty Bomb” Means! Salute from your football “Phi Hit” brothers. The Tar Heel Nation couldn’t be more proud to keep you welcomed at home once again!
