The University of North Carolina faces questions about head coach Bill Belichick’s contract status just one month into his tenure. While Belichick has begun work in Chapel Hill, CBS Sports reports his formal contract remains unsigned.
Initial reports indicated a five-year, $50 million agreement. However, Belichick has only signed a term sheet proposal with UNC, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports.
The proposed terms would make Belichick one of college football’s highest-paid coaches at $10 million annually.
Contract Details and Buyout Questions
The term sheet includes a $10 million buyout if Belichick leaves before June 1, 2025. That figure drops to $1 million afterward.
However, the unsigned status creates uncertainty about the buyout’s enforceability. The term sheet states:
“It is understood and agreed that this proposal of terms and conditions shall not constitute a binding agreement, and the parties intend to negotiate expeditiously and in good faith to finalize these terms and conditions into a long-form agreement.”
Former ESPN NFL insider Ed Werder reports the term sheet is binding:
I’m told the offer sheet between Bill Belichick and North Carolina is binding, that Belichick is on a recruiting trip right now and there is no plan for him to renege on his current agreement for any potential NFL offer.
Current Staff Status
UNC’s coaching staff currently includes:
– Steve Belichick (defensive coordinator)
– Freddie Kitchens (retained from 2023 staff)
– Michael Lombardi (former NFL GM)
– Mike Priefer (special teams)
– Will Friend (offensive line)
– Moses Cabrera (strength and conditioning)
Lombardi has disputed reports about slow staff assembly, stating on social media: “We are not slow, just being diligent, hired three people on Sunday.”
Six NFL teams currently have head coach vacancies: New York Jets, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints, and Las Vegas Raiders.
Reports indicate Raiders minority owner Tom Brady has discussed their vacancy with Belichick.
While Belichick continues his UNC duties, including recruiting trips to DC and Baltimore, questions remain about his contract status and the enforceability of its buyout provisions.
Bill Belichick's buyout to leave is $10 million… until June 1, 2025, when it drops to $1 million.
So it will be easy for Belichick to go back to the NFL after one year if the opportunity presents itself. pic.twitter.com/rrvaMci3DC
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) December 12, 2024
I’m told the offer sheet between Bill Belichick and North Carolina is binding, that Belichick is on a recruiting trip right now and there is no plan for him to renege on his current agreement for any potential NFL offer.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) January 16, 2025
We are not slow, just being diligent, hired three people on Sunday, not one is nervous other than this erronous report. A completly fabracated story. thank you. https://t.co/eQysGzgGyv
— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiuncgm) January 14, 2025
Bill is recruiting in DC today and Baltimore tomorrow. His focus is on North Carolina football, hiring staff members and developing the team. The NFL isnt a option so please stop making it one. Thank you. https://t.co/Z5sRAcYOCB
— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiuncgm) January 16, 2025
