What If UNC and Belichick Part Ways? The Buyout Structure Is … Unusual

Embattled North Carolina football coach Bill Belichick is currently on a five-year, $50 million contract to lead the Tar Heels—making him one of the top 10 highest-paid coaches this season. But Belichick’s buyout structure varies from $0 to about $20 million, depending on when and how he might leave before the five years are up.

The buyout structure is considered one of the most unusual across the college football landscape.

If Belichick is fired without cause at any point between now and Dec. 31, 2027, his buyout will comprise the amount of unpaid money left on his contract from the time of his firing to that date. If Belichick is fired without cause this year, for example, his buyout will be $20 million to cover 2026 and 2027—on top of the $10 million he’s paid for this year.

If Belichick is fired without cause any time after Dec. 31, 2027—the last two years of the five-year deal—UNC owes him nothing. 

“In no event shall the University pay Coach any remaining unpaid Base Salary or Supplemental Income associated with any Contract Year or portion of a Contract Year after December 31, 2027, regardless of the date this agreement is terminated,” the contract stipulates.

The number changes again if Belichick chooses to leave UNC on his own accord before the contract is up. He would have owed $10 million had he chosen to exit before June 1. Now, he owes just $1 million, whether he quits college football entirely or leaves for another program.

A Rough Start

Belichick’s hire last December was met with major optimism despite drama surrounding his 24-year-old girlfriend, Jordon Hudson.

But Belichick’s inaugural season in college football hasn’t gone as planned. The Tar Heels suffered an embarrassing 48–14 loss to TCU during their season opener. Things haven’t improved since then—the Tar Heels have won just two of their first five games, the worst start against power conference teams since the program’s inception in the late 1800s, according to USA Today.

This week, negative reports reached a crescendo. 

On Monday, WRAL published a story detailing dysfunction and distrust across the program, and said players were selling the tickets allotted to them. Subsequently, the outlet reported that a UNC compliance officer sent a text to players telling them that selling tickets violates NCAA rules. UNC cornerbacks coach Armond Hawkins was suspended for offering extra benefits—sideline passes for the player’s family, according to a report from The Athletic. 

Hulu has reportedly canceled its documentary series on the Tar Heels, Inside Carolina. 

Then, on Wednesday, 247 Sports reported that exit-strategy discussions had taken place on campus. Belichick spent the evening making calls to recruits to calm them and assure them that his program’s dismal situation would improve, per On3.

Also late on Wednesday evening, the Tar Heels went into damage control mode. Belichick and UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham released short statements. “I’m fully committed to UNC Football and the program we’re building here,” Belichick said. Cunningham noted: “Coach Belichick has the full support of the Department of Athletics and the University.”