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2w ago

UNC, Belichick Reaffirm Commitment as Reports Detail Buyout Talks and Staff Suspension

The coach–school partnership was publicly reaffirmed after reports of buyout talks plus a staff suspension intensified compliance scrutiny.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 20: Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on prior to a game against the UCF Knights at FBC Mortgage Stadium on September 20, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels and Jordon Hudson look on prior to the game against the Richmond Spiders
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 4: Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on prior to the game against the Clemson Tigers at Kenan Memorial Stadium on October 4, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
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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.