Can Bill Belichick leave UNC for NFL HC job? Explaining $50,000 contract buyout
Eight-time Super Bowl winner, Bill Belichick, was hired as the North Carolina Tar Heels football head coach. It is an excellent opportunity for him to reconnect with his roots, as his father, Steve Belichick once coached at UNC from 1953 to 1955.
However, the ex-New England Patriots coach, who signed a $50 million contract for five years, could soon pivot back to the NFL as questions around his $50,000 buyout clause have come to light.
For instance, if he leaves UNC before June 1, 2025, it would cost him $10 million. That said, the figure will come down to just $1 million if the date crosses June 1. It is just a fraction of the ex-NFL coach's career earnings.
The buyout amount shall be payable to the University within 180 days of the date of termination.
As rightly put out by Brad Crawford, the College Football Analyst at College football analyst for 247 Sports and CBS Sports, Belichick could "leave for an NFL job at minimal cost before he evens coaches his first game with the Tar Heels."
After an uncharacteristic year without an NFL coaching role, Bill Belichick transitioned to UNC. In the last year following the end of his storied 24-year tenure with the New England Patriots, he delved into broadcasting.
Bill Belichick always wanted to be a coach for NCAA Football
Tar Heels are preparing to embrace the Bill Belichick era. And, so is the legendary coach himself with former interim head coach Freddie Kitchens named as his first staff hire.
As the 72-year-old, who became the oldest coach in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, was introduced on Thursday at Kenan Memorial Stadium, he described the role as fulfilling a lifelong ambition.
“I’ve always wanted to coach in college football,” Belichick said.
Talking about his father's legacy and how his upbringing in a collegiate environment influenced his decision, he added:
“I grew up in college football with my dad. As a kid, all I knew was college football."
When asked about his long-term commitment, Bill Belichick smiled and said he joined UNC not to leave. Clearly, he wants to be there as long as the university keeps him.