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Bill Belichick’s Buyout Will Drop $9M Before He Even Coaches A Game At North Carolina

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Bill Belichick is introduced as the North Carolina head football coach.

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Bill Belichick is the new head football coach at the University of North Carolina. He was introduced at the school on Thursday where he looked ahead to the future in Chapel Hill.

That future doesn’t have to be all that long judging by a buyout clause in his contract. Belichick’s cost of leaving the Tar Heels decreases significantly before he even coaches his first game.

The head coach’s contract details came out shortly after his introductory press conference. He’ll receive a five-year deal worth $50 million. Included in that contract is an array of bonus opportunities.

  • $300K for winning the ACC
  • $750K for a CFP appearance
  • $1.75M for a national championship

Belichick’s buyout situation is even more interesting. The initial number starts at $10 million. That hefty tag should prevent the head coach from bolting for the NFL before season’s start.

It then decreases to $1 million after June 1, 2025. That, in theory, means Belichick could leave Chapel Hill before ever coaching a game and pay minimal consequence.

Setting that date at June 1 all but ensures Bill Belichick will be at North Carolina for the 2025 season. There won’t be any NFL teams searching for a new head coach three months before the start of the year.

After that first season, all bets are off, though. And there will likely be someone at the NFL level interested in prying the coach away from Chapel Hill.

With that being said, Belichick seemed excited about his new opportunity. On Thursday, he discussed his plan for the future. He’s looking to continue a family legacy.

Bill Belichick’s dad coached at North Carolina as an assistant.

The 6x Super Bowl winner brought with him to UNC one of his father’s Tar Heel sweatshirts. He has North Carolina in his blood. He later shared a funny story recalling that his first words were “Beat Duke.” What better person to lead the program?

He was asked some of the tough questions by media, most of which related to the transition from the NFL to college. Belichick says he will do in-home recruiting visits. He expects to have plenty of NIL support to help him on the recruiting trail. His presence has already made a major impact with Tar Heels that were toying with the idea of a transfer. It’s sure to grab the attention of high school prospects, too.

As for any potential future NFL interest, Belichick says he has no intention of leaving UNC. Even if that buyout goes down significantly in June, he insists he’s here for the long haul.

Bill Belichick says he didn’t come to North Carolina to leave. He’s ready to build a college football program after unmatched success in the NFL. All eyes will be on Chapel Hill come 2025. Belichick’s first game will come at home against TCU next August.