After former NFL coach Bill Belichick agreed to a term sheet as the new head coach at North Carolina on Dec. 11, there was speculation regarding his commitment to the college program. Even after the announcement, Belichick had yet to officially sign his contract, adding to conversations about whether the coach truly wanted to take the college job, considering the slew of NFL positions opening up and possibly beckoning him.
Fans React to Bill Belichick’s Buyout Clause on Newly Signed Contract
Belichick, who was involved in the NFL in one form or another since 1975, parted ways with the New England Patriots following the 2023 NFL season. After interviewing with the Atlanta Falcons and not getting the job, Belichick moved on to interview for UNC later in the year.
But the lack of a signed document and his extensive history in the league led many to question whether being on the sidelines of a college gridiron was the right fit for him.
On Jan. 22, reports from ESPN confirmed that Belichick officially signed his contract, which was later uploaded to the school’s website. However, the deal contains a clause that has everyone scratching their heads.
Section 13 of the document says that if the coach decides to leave before June 1 of this year, he would owe the university $10 million. According to On3, the clause also mentioned that his buyout would drop from $10 million to $1 million after June 1.
NEW: Bill Belichick has officially signed with North Carolina, according to ESPN🐏
His buyout drops from $10M to $1M on June 1, 2025
Contract details: https://t.co/iHLZg2UlwK https://t.co/0knjmGbnAj pic.twitter.com/RWJUN5N5GC
— On3 (@On3sports) January 23, 2025
In light of this news, the weight of the speculation increased, with fans flooding X (formerly known as Twitter) with their comments.
“Yeah… that man is heading to the NFL soon,” a fan said.
“That buyout! 👀,” another fan noted.
“Should be a good recruiting cycle before he leaves over the summer prior to ever coaching a game at UNC,” a fan wrote.
The speculation continued.
“His buyout drops from $10M to $1M on June 1, 2025 – ok that’s all you need to know. He can literally walk away in 6 months for the NFL LOL $1M is nothing. I’d be concerned if I was a UNC fan,” a fan opined.
Others were finally relieved that he signed a deal.
“Glad he finally signed signed,” a fan wrote.
“On to the championship,” another fan hoped.
Belichick’s base salary is $1 million per year, plus he’ll get $9 million annually in supplemental income for activities outside of the work like “program support and promotional work” “fundraising,” “media,” Name, Image, and Likeness deals (NIL), and maintaining relationships with manufacturers.
His deal also has several bonus incentives that could add up to a lot if the Tar Heels do well. Belichick will earn $200,000 for making it to the ACC Championship Game, even if they don’t win. If they win the conference title, he gets $300,000. If the team wins the College Football Playoff National Championship, he would receive $1.75 million.
