Ad Disclosure
Bill Belichick’s negotiations with UNC include ‘coach-in-waiting’ clause, per report
Published:
Bill Belichick continues to be a prominent figure in North Carolina’s coaching search.
Multiple reports from earlier this week stated that Belichick has interviewed for the job and has legitimate interest in returning to the sidelines in the college game. Details on Belichick’s negotiations with the Tar Heels are starting to emerge as well.
According to Ollie Connolly of The Read-Optional, Belichick would require that his son, Stephen Belichick, be named as the school’s head-coach-in-waiting as part of the deal. Connolly also reports UNC is “open” to making that promise.
Per sources, I’m told Bill Belichick’s negotiations with North Carolina include a guarantee that Stephen Belichick will be named the school’s head coach in waiting. UNC is open to that guarantee. Discussions are not a bid to gain leverage for NFL offers and BB is open to the move
— Ollie Connolly (@OllieConnolly) December 6, 2024
Bill Belichick, 72, would become the oldest active FBS head coach if he’s hired by the Tar Heels.
Stephen Belichick just finished his first season in the college game after spending more than a decade on the New England Patriots’ coaching staff in various roles. In 2024, he served as the defensive coordinator for a Washington team that finished 27th in yards-per-play allowed.
North Carolina has also been linked to other head coaches throughout this process, including Tulane’s Jon Sumrall and Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack. It’s unclear if they have a timetable for making a decision on a new hire to replace Mack Brown.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
