Many have tried, but Bill Belichick just might be successful.
Multiple sources tell FootballScoop that Belichick is targeting University of Kentucky assistant head coach Vince Marrow for an offensive assistant coaching role on Belichick's inaugural North Carolina staff.
Per sources, Belichick and Marrow have previously known each other and share representation.
A fixture on the Kentucky staffs of Mark Stoops since Stoops took over the program prior to the 2013 season, Marrow has emerged during that time as the WIldcats's most valuable and versatile recruiter, not to mention a rare fixture of stability as staff turnover has been frequent for Stoops in the Bluegrass.
Also the tight ends coach, Marrow has been rewarded as one of Kentucky's highest-paid assistant coaches and among the highest-paid coaches at his position across college football.
As widely reported in recent weeks and previously confirmed to FootballScoop, Louisville was the latest potential suitor to express interest in luring away Marrow from the Wildcats program.
Belichick, however, presents a potentially all-new dynamic.
Coaching in college for the first time ever, Belichick -- officially UNC's replacement for Mack Brown as of earlier this week -- is said to be assembling a blend of top-end recruiters and coaches with NFL teaching experience.
Marrow owns NFL playing experience from multiple franchises, just missing Belichick with the New York Jets after playing there a year prior to Belichick's arrival in the late 1990s, and also has professional coaching experience with multiple franchises in the old NFL Europe.
His contract available because UK is a public institution, Marrow earns approximately $1.3 million per year for the Wildcats plus any additional incentives; Kentucky did not make a postseason bowl game this year.
Per the latest terms of Marrow's most recent contract, he does have a modest buyout if he chooses to leave UK; Marrow owes the school $200,000 per season left on his deal, which in this case is $400,000 since he is signed through the 2026 season.