Time Could Be Running Out for Bill Belichick at UNC

Is the Belichick era at UNC nearing an early end as university leadership grows increasingly frustrated with the ongoing turmoil and public embarrassment?

Bill Belichick | Jackson McCurdy, Tar Heels On SI

The never-ending, chaotic era of Bill Belichick’s tenure at North Carolina has been especially difficult to track this week, much less in its entirety. Just when it seems to be over, it pulls you right back in. But could it finally be nearing an end?

According to a report from Andrew Jones of TarHeels247, North Carolina’s administration has held "preliminary conversations" about "potential exit strategy discussions" regarding what actions to take with Belichick.

Via @Heel247, "potential exit strategy" discussions have begun at North Carolina regarding Bill Belichick, with reports of rules violations fueling the situation. https://t.co/kmElR7qN7R

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) October 8, 2025

Jones offered his opinion that there is no guarantee Belichick will be on the sidelines for UNC’s Friday night game at Cal (10:30 p.m. Eastern, ESPN). The report also suggests that North Carolina could attempt to dismiss Belichick for cause by citing rules violations involving members of his coaching staff.

 It should be noted that cornerbacks coach Armond Hawkins was suspended earlier this week for providing extra benefits to players and their families, according to Bruce Feldman of The Athletic.

This is not the first time an attempt like this has occurred. Kansas made a similar move with former head coach David Beaty after firing him in 2018, but it also resulted in then-athletic director Jeff Long losing his job. Beaty was owed just $3 million, while North Carolina owes Belichick far more than what Kansas owed Beaty.

According to the term sheet released by North Carolina last winter, Belichick's $10 million salary is fully guaranteed through the 2027 season.

Since this keep getting mentioned: Belichick's contract ($1M base and $9M supplemental per year) is guaranteed through Dec. 31, 2027. If UNC lets him go without cause, they owe him whatever's left on that $30M.

— Brian Murphy (@murphsturph) October 6, 2025

The Belichick Era has Been Embarrassing for All Involved

Clemson running back Adam Randall catching a touchdown against North Carolina; Oct. 4, 2025 | Jackson McCurdy, Tar Heels On SI

The Belichick era has been a disaster for North Carolina, and only five games have been played. 

Carolina is 2-3 on the year, but don't let the record fool you. Its three losses were all to Power Four programs: TCU, UCF and Clemson. The combined outcome was 120-33 (40-11 average) and the average margin of each game was 29 points.

The offense has struggled badly, averaging just 264.8 yards per game, which ranks 131st nationally and last in the ACC. The Tar Heels are at or near the bottom in nearly every national and conference statistical category. It’s also worth noting that UNC finally eclipsed the 200-yard passing mark in its 38-10 loss to Clemson on Oct. 4.

Including the Clemson game, UNC’s pass defense has allowed Power Four opponents to complete 76 percent of their passes for 906 yards—an average of 302 yards per contest—with seven touchdowns and just one interception. If games against Charlotte and Richmond are omitted, the Tar Heels would rank 130th nationally in pass defense.

It’s Not Looking Great Off the Field As Well

Head Coach Bill Belichick; Sept. 13, 2025 | Jackson McCurdy, North Carolina Tar Heels On SI

The week began with reports that UNC had barred its social media team from posting anything related to the New England Patriots, including former UNC star and current Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. After the Tar Heels did not post any content following Maye’s breakout game in the Patriots’ Sunday Night Football upset win over the Bills, Ross Martin of 247Sports reported that Belichick had effectively prohibited the social media team from posting Patriots-related content.

According to sources inside the UNC football program, it is a directive from the staff (Bill Belichick) to not tweet/retweet anything Patriots-related.

That's clearly why UNC football has not posted anything from Drake Maye's electric primetime win over the Buffalo Bills.

— Ross Martin (@RossMartinNC) October 6, 2025

This move stemmed from UNC banning the Patriots’ scouting department after its loss to TCU. Following national backlash, the social media team eventually posted about Maye. Whether the post was a result of going rogue or simply damage control remains unclear.

.@DrakeMaye2 pulling off some magic, where have we seen this before 🤔

🔟➡️8️⃣ pic.twitter.com/qTd8sqorsc

— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) October 6, 2025

Negative attention around the program worsened when WRAL reported on the ongoing dysfunction surrounding the football team.

The report indicates some transfers brought in by Belichick have received perks not available to other players, including preferred parking for themselves and their families, along with additional game tickets. Linebacker Khmori House and cornerback Thaddeus Dixon—who played under Steve Belichick at Washington—are the most notable examples. Dixon is the only player whose family members have access to the field on game days.

Sep 6, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Khmori House (7)) during the first quarter against the Charlotte 49ers at Jerry Richardson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

There's a board in the UNC football facility that lists people who have missed workouts and class. Some Belichick-recruited players repeatedly show up on the list but have not had their playing time affected.

UNC Huddle; Oct. 4, 2025 | Jackson McCurdy, North Carolina Tar Heels On SI

Communication between the current coaching staff and both players and parents has been nearly nonexistent, widening the divide within the program. Several players who stayed at UNC after Mack Brown’s departure did not meet Belichick for weeks, and parents were not introduced to the new staff until the 'Practice Like a Pro' spring game months later.

"There's been no communication with coaches and parents, period," a parent of a current UNC player said. "None, zero, zilch. Not one email from a coach, one text, phone call, nothing."

This differed from Brown’s tenure, when parents had relationships with coaches and even had their phone numbers. Coaches might call a parent if they felt something was going on with their son, allowing for much more effective communication.

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