Overview

• Belichick and athletic director Bubba Cunningham issued statements saying he remains fully committed and has the university’s support.
• Multiple outlets report Belichick discussed buyout scenarios and signaled he could trigger a $1 million voluntary exit if a suitable landing spot emerges.
• Contract reporting says UNC would owe more than $20 million if it fires him without cause in the early years, while the coach’s own exit costs $1 million payable within 180 days.
• USA Today details an unusual deal: compensation fully guaranteed for the first three years, with no severance owed if he’s fired in the final two seasons of the five‑year term.
• Program turbulence continues with assistant Armond Hawkins suspended and recruiting/practice issues under review, as UNC sits 2–3 and staffers are reported to have contacted other schools.