Bill Belichick’s contract with the University of North Carolina includes a significant buyout reduction that could provide him an exit option.
The former New England Patriots coach faces ongoing complications involving his relationship with 24-year-old Jordon Hudson.
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio outlined a key contractual detail on Saturday morning that could alter the situation.
On June 1, Belichick’s buyout clause drops from $10 million to $1 million.
“Initially, that reduction was viewed as a quick and easy path for Belichick to get back to the NFL,” Florio writes. “Now, it becomes Belichick’s potential escape hatch from what may have become a bad relationship.”
Reports conflicted Friday about whether Hudson had been banned from UNC facilities.
“Setting aside whatever cracks in the foundation may have previously existed, Friday could be the day when it all came crashing down,” Florio wrote. “Pablo Torre’s reporting, which basically stands for the idea that Belichick was told his 24-year-old girlfriend can’t work for the football program any longer, could be the thing that gets her to do something like what she reportedly did at his recent CBS interview.”
Florio suggests Hudson might prompt a departure, potentially “stand up, proclaim, ‘Bill, we’re leaving,’ and storm out.”
The reduced buyout could also strengthen Belichick’s position in negotiations with the university.
“If UNC makes demands he doesn’t like, he can remind them that all he has to do is write a check and he’s gone,” Florio writes.
The situation might even benefit both parties if it continues deteriorating.
“There’s a chance that, at this point, the school might welcome that. Maybe they’d even tell him to keep his $1 million. Maybe, at some point, they’d even give him $1 million or more to go.”
This turbulent start wasn’t what the Tar Heels expected when hiring the six-time Super Bowl champion coach.
The relationship could still stabilize, but challenges have emerged months before the season begins.
