North Carolina football made headlines last month when Bill Belichick agreed to become the program’s head coach. According to reports, Belichick has not signed a contract.
Bill Belichick Contract Situation
New at @CBSSports: Bill Belichick does not have a signed contract at UNC, which is not uncommon in college but does introduce gray area as to how much — if any — of the $10M buyout would be paid should he bolt for the NFL https://t.co/ccpPLI1zSd
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) January 16, 2025
Per CBS Sports, Belichick has not signed a contract with North Carolina, even though the university announced the signing in December. The school even held a press conference to introduce Belichick.
Why has Belichick not signed a contract? This could have something to do with his buyout. If Belichick terminates his employment before June 1, 2025, the buyout is $10 million. After that date, the buyout decreases to $1 million.
If Belichick left for the NFL before that date, this creates a legal gray area. Does the NFL team hiring Belichick have to pay the buyout? Would Belichick have to pay for it himself? Without a contract, does the entire buyout need to be paid?
Belichick and Nate Knuffman, UNC’s vice chancellor for finance and operations, signed the term sheet to a contract. Per CBS Sports’ sources, signing a term sheet before executing the entire contract is typical. “Schools drag their feet like crazy,” said one of the sources in the report.
North Carolina’s GM Shuts Down Belichick To NFL Rumors
Multiple NFL teams have inquired about whether legendary coach Bill Belichick would reconsider his move to college football – including the Raiders, whose new minority owner Tom Brady spoke recently with his old coach, per league sources. https://t.co/MoyG87epRv
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 8, 2025
Earlier this month, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that multiple NFL teams have inquired about Belichick and if he would depart North Carolina to come back to the pros.
After CBS’ story broke, North Carolina general manager Michael Lombardi stated Belichick will stay in college and coach the Tar Heels.
“Bill is recruiting in DC today and Baltimore tomorrow,” Lombardi said on X. “His focus is on North Carolina football, hiring staff members and developing the team. The NFL isnt a option so please stop making it one. Thank you.”
Bill is recruiting in DC today and Baltimore tomorrow. His focus is on North Carolina football, hiring staff members and developing the team. The NFL isnt a option so please stop making it one. Thank you. https://t.co/Z5sRAcYOCB
— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiuncgm) January 16, 2025
Belichick’s girlfriend, Jordan Hudson, also posted a photo on Instagram with the coach. The caption reads, “Two people who are overtly committed to @uncfootball.”
For now, Belichick will remain at North Carolina.
NEW: Bill Belichick's girlfriend Jordon Hudson confirms they are locked in with North Carolina🐏https://t.co/osLe3aGy5v https://t.co/0knjmGbVpR pic.twitter.com/jbTjR0tH9V
— On3 (@On3sports) January 16, 2025
