The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has released Bill Belichick's contract and confirmed his rumored massive $10 million buyout price tag amid rumors he's already looking to jump ship and head back to the NFL.
Per NFL Insider Tom Pelissero, "The University of North Carolina has released a redacted version of Bill Belichick's contract, which he signed Wednesday as you can clearly see below. If Belichick leaves, the buyout is $10 million prior to June 1, or $1M thereafter."
The University of North Carolina has released a redacted version of Bill Belichick’s contract, which he signed Wednesday as you can clearly see below.
If Belichick leaves, the buyout is $10 million prior to June 1, or $1M thereafter. pic.twitter.com/UMZT8wrV8C
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ESPN's Pete Thamel also provided further details, posting to X "UNC sent out a copy of Bill Belichick's contract. Here's the way they get to his $10 million salary. I've been told the deal is signed, which is why UNC has released the deal via state open record laws."
UNC sent out a copy of Bill Belichick's contract. Here's the way they get to his $10 million salary. I've been told the deal is signed, which is why UNC has released the deal via state open record laws. pic.twitter.com/iC29AFFnVp
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 23, 2025
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When it was reported that Bill Belichick's contract with UNC was still unsigned, despite being announced in December, it sparked speculation about his future with the Tar Heels.
Rumors swirled that the Las Vegas Raiders were interested in him for their head coaching vacancy, leading many to believe that Belichick wouldn't return to the NFL this year due to his hefty $10 million buyout.
However, now that it's been confirmed he's officially signed with North Carolina, the situation has become clearer — and the financial penalty for leaving early appears significant.
Belichick's deal is heavily incentivized with performance bonuses, potentially rewarding him handsomely if the Tar Heels achieve strong success under his leadership. Notably, the contract includes a termination clause that requires Belichick to pay UNC $10 million if he decides to leave before June 1, 2025.
After that date, the penalty drops substantially to just $1 million, making it clear that his commitment to North Carolina is tied to a few key years of stability.
While the legendary coach may someday head back to the NFL, Belichick has made it clear that he has always wanted to coach college football at some point in his career.
"I grew up around college football with my dad and treasured those times," Belichick said back in December. "I have always wanted to coach in college and now I look forward to building the football program in Chapel Hill."
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Nathan Kamal
Nathan Kamal is a Chicago-based writer and fan of the Cubs. He provides coverage and expertise on NFL and the ...
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