Overview

• Belichick and athletic director Bubba Cunningham issued brief statements saying the coach is fully committed and has the university’s support.
• Multiple outlets, citing The Guardian and 247Sports, reported informal discussions about exit or buyout scenarios, including an estimated $20 million school liability if he is fired without cause and a $1 million coach-triggered buyout if he resigns for another role.
• Cornerbacks coach Armond Hawkins was suspended over alleged extra benefits, with separate reports describing ongoing recruiting and practice investigations that could factor into buyout negotiations.
• Reporting says some assistants have contacted other programs and described Belichick’s recent communication as distant, with several struggling to reach him during the bye week.
• UNC is 2-3 after lopsided losses to Power Four opponents and visits California on Oct. 17, with some insiders predicting potential changes within two weeks.