University of North Carolina Football Head Coach Bill Belichick is reportedly considering a departure from the university following a disastrous start to his first season with the program.
Despite high expectations to open his inaugural season with the Tar Heels, Belichick has struggled to produce on the field to open the year, currently boasting a record of just 2-3 with all three losses coming by at least 25 points.
Additionally, UNC has yet to secure a win against a team from one of the Power 5 conferences, with its two victories coming against the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the University of Richmond.
Ollie Connolly of The Read-Optional has reported that Belichick has discussed a potential buyout with UNC leaders, with some expecting a decision to be made within the next two weeks.
Per sources: Bill Belichick has discussed buyout options with North Carolina’s hierarchy. Belichick has signalled a willingness to trigger his own $1 million buyout if he can find a soft landing with another team or in media
— Ollie Connolly (@OllieConnolly) October 8, 2025
Connolly added that multiple members of the UNC coaching staff have already begun to discuss potential job opportunities with other programs, with one member of the staff telling him that “the rats are leaving the ship.”
Although Belichick has a $1 million buyout that had been established in his contract when he first signed with the program, there is a possibility that UNC is able to negotiate a smaller buyout due to alleged recruiting violations that the school has reportedly already proven.
Belichick is expected to accept a significantly reduced contract buyout if he cannot find another landing spot.
This potential departure comes following the difficult start to the 2025 season, along with Belichick acting “weird” and “distant” over the past two weeks, with multiple assistant coaches being unable to get in contact with the head coach during the team’s bye week, according to Connolly.
“What we’ve done to these kids is f*cked up,” wrote one UNC defensive assistant to Connolly.
UNC released brief statements from both Belichick and Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham in response to the rumors that the two sides could part ways at some point this season.
“I’m fully committed to UNC Football and the program we’re building here,” wrote Belichick.
“Coach Belichick has the full support of the Department of Athletics and the University,” stated Cunningham.