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North Carolina Tar Heels football coach Bill Belichick has vowed he has no interest in leaving the team and has received support from the university amid rumors the two sides are considering walking away.
As the rumors intensified Wednesday, Belichick and athletic director Bill Cunningham each released statements.
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North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick greets Richmond Spiders head coach Russ Huesman before the game at Kenan Stadium on September 13, 2025. (Bob Donnan/Imagn Images)
“I am fully committed to UNC Football and the program we are building here,” Belichick said.
Cunningham added, “Coach Belichick has the full support of the athletic department and the university.”
Belichick’s first 10 months at the helm were tumultuous to say the least and starting the season 2-3 with a blowout loss to the Clemson Tigers on his resume didn’t take the pressure off him.
Rumors swirled earlier Wednesday that Belichick and the school were discussing a “potential exit strategy,” according to 247 Sports. North Carolina has reportedly had “preliminary conversations” about firing Belichick, which would represent a whopping $20 million buyout under his contract. However, 247 Sports pointed out that an alleged rules violation could help the program eliminate or reduce the buyout.
Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney with North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick before the game at Kenan Stadium on October 4, 2025. (Bob Donnan/Imagn Images)
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College football reporter Ollie Connolly added to the rumor by reporting that Belichick “discussed buyout options with the North Carolina hierarchy,” where he “signaled his willingness to trigger his own $1 million buyout if he can find a soft landing with another team or in the media.”
These rumors come as UNC is in the midst of its bye week, and it’s certainly not how Belichick or anyone envisioned his jump into college football after his illustrious NFL coaching career.
But while the product on the field hasn’t been great, there has also been some drama. Cornerbacks coach Armond Hawkins was suspended for allegedly granting extra benefits to players, including sideline passes for their family members. Not to mention, Belichick’s Hulu series was also reportedly pulled.
A lawsuit was also filed in North Carolina alleging the university’s board of trustees illegally hired Belichick.
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick, left, looks on during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Clemson, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
The perception around Belichick and the program could change if the team starts winning.
North Carolina hits the road next week to take on the California Golden Bears and has the No. 19 Virginia Cavaliers and Syracuse Orange under its belt this month.
