Report: North Carolina won't be featured on HBO's Hard Knocks

North Carolina won't be featured on HBO's offseason edition of 'Hard Knocks' after all, sources told CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones.

The Tar Heels were reportedly expected to be included in the show, but the deal fell apart largely because of creative control, Jones added.

"NFL Films had discussions with Coach Belichick and UNC about appearing on Hard Knocks this offseason but couldn't reach an agreement," a spokesperson for NFL Media told Jones.

HBO turned its focus to the college ranks after failing to sign an NFL team. It remains unlikely an NFL organization will sign up to participate in the series this offseason.

The New York Giants were featured in the show's inaugural season, but the organization faced backlash after a 3-14 campaign and how they dealt with Saquon Barkley hitting free agency.

North Carolina is still interested in doing some kind of all-access, behind-the-scenes series with a media group, sources told Jones. Bill Belichick, considered one of the best coaches in football history, begins his reign as the Tar Heels head coach with spring practices opening Tuesday.