NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
North Carolina Tar Heels football coach Bill Belichick promised he had no interest in leaving the team and received support from the university in the midst of rumors that the two sides planned an exit.
As the rumors ramped up on Wednesday, Belichick and athletics director Bill Cunningham released each statement.
CLICK HERE for more sports cover at Foxnews.com
North Carolina Tar Heels Head coach Bill Belichick greets Richmond Spiders Header coach Russ Huesman before the game at Kenan Stadium on September 13, 2025. (Bob Donnan/Imag photos)
“I’m fully obliged to UNC football and the program we’re building here,” Belichick said.
Cunningham added, “Coach Belichick has full support from the Department of Athletics and University.”
Belichick’s first 10 months at the helm have been tumultuous to say the least and start the 2-3 season with a blow-up loss against Clemson Tigers on his resume has not taken any of the pressure from him.
Rumors stumbled in earlier Wednesday about Belichick and the school discussing a “potential exit strategy, according to 247 sports. North Carolina allegedly had” preliminary conversations “about firing Belichick, which would be a huge $ 20 million buyout as part of his contract.
Clemson Tiger’s main coach Dabo Swinney with North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick before the game at Kenan Stadium on October 4, 2025. (Bob Donnan/Imag photos)
Bill Belichick works to be the worst coach in college football history, ‘says Paul Finebaum
College -Football journalist Ollie Connolly added to the rumor when he reported that Belichick “discussed acquisition opportunities with North Carolina’s hierarchy”, where he “signaled a willingness to trigger his own $ 1 million buyout if he can find a soft landing with another team or in media.”
These rumors come as UNC is in the middle of his bye week, and it’s certainly not like Belichick or anyone imagined his leap in college football after his famous NFL coaching career.
But even though the product in the field has not been large, there has also been some drama from it. Cornerbacks coach Armond Hawkins was suspended for allegedly giving players extra benefits that include sideline passes for family members. Not to mention, Belichick’s Hulu series is also drawn.
A lawsuit was also brought in North Carolina, which claims that the university board hired Belichick illegally.
North Carolina Main coach Bill Belichick, Left, watches during the first half of a NCAA College -Football match against Clemson, Saturday October 4, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
The perception of Belichick and the program could all change if the team starts to win.
North Carolina hits the road next week to take on California Golden Bears and has No. 19 Virginia Cavaliers and Syracuse Orange on its dock this month.
