Bill Belichick breaks silence on his rumored $10 million buyout clause after eye-catching move to UNC
Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has finally spoken out about the rumors surrounding his $10 million buyout clause after making a surprising move to lead the North Carolina Tar Heels football program. Speaking on Monday’s episode of the “Let’s Go!” podcast, Belichick shared insights about his transition to college football.
The six-time Super Bowl winning HC was officially announced as UNC’s 35th head football coach on December 11, marking his first foray into collegiate coaching. His reported contract includes a $10 million annual salary for the first three years, guaranteed, with an additional $3.5 million in incentives each year.
When host Jim Gray broached the subject of Belichick’s contract, including the $10 million buyout clause should he leave before June 1, the coach steered clear of specifics.
“I don't discuss contracts,” Belichick said. “I'm here at North Carolina. I want to be at Carolina and I'm excited about being at Carolina.”
Belichick also revealed that many college coaches had sought his advice on managing salary structures and contract negotiations. Gray asked if Belichick had already begun his duties, the coach confirmed,
“We've been at work,” he said. “Yes, sir. We're chasing some of the transfer players and finished up some of the recruiting signings.”
During the conversation, Belichick reflected on how college football has evolved, comparing it to the NFL.
“I look back this year at the way college football has evolved, it's really a lot like pro football with the salary cap, if you will, the revenue share and the NILs and all that, players are now receiving compensation for their play,” he said.
Bill Belichick fulfils lifelong dream of coaching college football
Bill Belichick, the legendary NFL coach with 302 regular-season wins—second only to Don Shula's 328—recently revealed his lifelong dream of coaching college football.
"It just never really worked out," Belichick said. "Had some good years in the NFL, so that was OK, but this is a dream come true. I grew up in college football with my dad. As a kid, all I knew was college football."
Belichick's father, Steve Belichick, served as an assistant coach for the North Carolina Tar Heels from 1953 to 1955, shaping young Bill's love for the college game. Now, after nearly five decades in the NFL—spanning from 1975 to 2023—Belichick is stepping into the college coaching world for the first time.
He takes over the program following Mack Brown's departure. Brown, 73, the winningest coach in Tar Heels history, was dismissed after a 6-6 season. During his second stint at the school, Brown compiled a 44-33 record over six years, finishing with an overall 113-79-1 mark at North Carolina.
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