Bill Belichick, North Carolina release statements amid reports regarding coach’s future
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Amid multiple reports casting doubt on Bill Belichick’s long- and short-term future at North Carolina, both parties have released statements.
Belichick and UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham’s statements were posted Wednesday evening via the team’s official account on X (formerly Twitter).
“I’m fully committed to UNC Football and the program we’re building here,” Belichick said via the program.
Cunningham’s statement was similarly brief.
“Coach Belichick has the full support of the Department of Athletics and University,” the AD said.
Statements from Carolina Athletics. pic.twitter.com/g8zn6WoxTW
— UNC Tar Heels (@GoHeels) October 9, 2025
Andrew Jones of TarHeel247 reported on Wednesday that UNC was having “preliminary discussions” about an early parting with Belichick, who is owed a $10 million salary that is fully guaranteed. Jones’ report mentioned violations within the program that could lead to firing for cause or negotiating down the buyout and speculated that Belichick may not even make it to the Oct. 17 game against Cal. A defensive Carolina assistant was recently suspended for giving benefits to players and their families.
Belichick has reportedly looked into triggering the buyout on his end, per Ollie Connolly. The report states that if Belichick could find a “soft landing” with another team or a media gig, the coach would be willing to pay his $1 million buyout to step aside from UNC. Connolly also reported that UNC staffers are already reaching out to likely College Football Playoff teams about landing jobs in the postseason.
Members of Belichick’s coaching staff have already spoken to other schools that are expected to be in CFB Playoff about taking on roles during the postseason. From one coach: “the rats are leaving the ship”.
— Ollie Connolly (@OllieConnolly) October 8, 2025
Some staffers believe a change will come within two weeks
Wednesday’s statements are unlikely to end the speculation that Belichick may not have a long future in Chapel Hill. We’ll see what’s next for the struggling Tar Heels.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
