Bill Belichick taking the head coaching job at North Carolina was undoubtedly the most notable hire that we’ve seen since the end of the 2024 regular season, but there’s a chance that the Tar Heels’ vancany isn’t technically filled on paper.
While Belichick and UNC have agreed to terms and he’s already hired a staff and begun the process of recruiting for next season, CBS Sports reports that there “is not a fully executed and signed contract” between the two parties at this time.
Based on the standing agreement between Belichick and the Tar Heels, there’s a “buyout clause” with UNC that would cost Belichick $10 million if he terminates his employment with the program before June 1, 2025, but only $1 million after that date.
If Belichick were to take a job in the NFL, the validity of that buyout clause could be questioned.
“Presently, there is not a fully executed and signed contract between Belichick and UNC, sources told CBS Sports — and the school confirmed — this week,” CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones writes. “Industry sources say that could create to a legal gray area about how much, if any, of a buyout would exist if Belichick left for the pros.”
So, should North Carolina football fans be nervous that their head coach is about to split just a couple of into his tenure?
Not from the sounds of it, according to Jones.
“Belichick signed a term sheet proposal with UNC on Dec. 11. That laid out the basic and somewhat typical terms for a high-level college football coach,” Jones continues. “A gap of multiple months between the signing of a term sheet and a final contract being executed is common in the college ranks, industry sources said.”
Additionally, Belichick himself has already given UNC a vote of confidence during his introductory press conference.
“I didn’t come here to leave,” the 72-year-old said.
With teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders currently searching for a new head coach, Belichick’s name has naturally come up. For the time being, however, it appears that the eight-time Super Bowl-winning coach is happy in Chapel Hill.
