Bill Belichick hasn't even been the head coach of the University of North Carolina football program for a full month yet, and rumors are already swirling about a potential return to the National Football League.
Belichick, who was officially hired by UNC on Dec. 11, is in the midst of settling in and building his coaching staff for the Tar Heels — but it appears a return to the NFL could upend those plans.
According to multiple reports Wednesday morning, multiple NFL teams have reached out to Belichick gauging his interest in a potential return to coaching at football's highest level.
Read more: Tom Brady, Multiple NFL Teams Are Trying to Lure Bill Belichick From UNC
Among those teams reaching out is the Las Vegas Raiders, who fired head coach Antonio Pierce on Tuesday, and have a longtime partner of Belichick's in the ownership group in Tom Brady.
Brady and Belichick won six Super Bowls together on the New England Patriots, and according to NFL.com, Brady "believes the situation in Las Vegas requires a coach of Belichick's expertise and stature to establish a sustainable winning program."
More news: Tom Brady to Have Major Influence on Raiders Head Coach Hire Following Antonio Pierce Firing
If Brady's Raiders — or any other NFL team —convince Belichick to reverse course and join the NFL for the 2025 season, it wouldn't be very hard for the legendary coach to get out of his UNC contract.
According to NFL.com's Tom Pelissero: "Belichick's contract at North Carolina includes a $10 million buyout if he leaves prior to June 1, 2025, though it's not entirely clear whether it would apply if he returns to the NFL in the coming weeks. Either way, it's a fraction of Belichick's salary by the end of his Patriots tenure, making it relatively easy to get out of, whether an NFL team or Belichick himself pays the buyout."
At the moment, it's unclear if Belichick is looking to return to the NFL. However, last year, Belichick attempted to return to coaching after parting ways with the Patriots, but was unsuccessful in doing so.
In addition to the Raiders, the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, and Belichick's old Patriots are currently looking for a new head coach. According to Pelissero, at least one team in addition to the Raiders have reached out to Belichick.
More news: 49ers Pro Bowler May Not Return to San Francisco in 2025 for Heartbreaking Reason
For more NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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