Overview
- UNC suspended cornerbacks coach Armond Hawkins over alleged extra benefits tied to sideline passes, and players were reminded that selling complimentary tickets violates NCAA rules.
- Multiple outlets reported preliminary internal discussions about a potential Belichick exit strategy and ways to address a reported buyout believed to be north of $20 million.
- The Guardian’s Ollie Connolly reported Belichick has explored buyout options and signaled he could trigger a $1 million exit if he secures another role in coaching or media.
- Hours after those reports, UNC and Belichick issued joint statements saying he is fully committed to the program and that he has the athletic department’s full support.
- The Tar Heels are 2-3 after a 38-10 loss to Clemson; a planned Hulu docuseries was scrapped, and the team reversed course on a reported directive limiting Patriots-related social posts.