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Insider dishes on Bill Belichick's uncertain future at North Carolina amid rumors

Will North Carolina fire Bill Belichick? Find out the latest news on Belichick's future at North Carolina.
Jonathan Adams|
Oct 17, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick looks on before the game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
Oct 17, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick looks on before the game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

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North Carolina Tar Heels

The Bill Belichick era at North Carolina is now off to an underwhelming 2-5 start. Questions continue to hover about Belichick's future at Chapel Hill and college football in general.

The good news for the Tar Heels is that the team is starting to look a bit more competitive. North Carolina narrowly lost 17-16 to Virginia in overtime. On3's Pete Nakos reported that North Carolina will stick with Belichick through the rest of the season and evaluate the state of the program during the offseason.

"The Tar Heels lost in overtime Saturday to Virginia, dropping Bill Belichick to 2-5 on the season," Nakos wrote on Sunday. "North Carolina is still winless against Power Four opponents, but sources continue to tell On3 that any decisions about Belichick’s future will not come until the end of the season."

Bill Belichick's buyout at North Carolina is estimated to top $20 million

If North Carolina does eventually cut ties with Belichick, what would the Tar Heels owe the coach? North Carolina inked Belichick to a five-year, $50 million contract, but the challenge is the first three seasons are guaranteed.

The Tar Heels would owe Belichick a buyout of more than $20 million if the program opts to move on from the coach, per CBS Sports. A more ideal scenario for North Carolina may be for Belichick to take a media job or return to the NFL.

Bill Belichick would owe North Carolina $1 million if the coach leaves Chapel Hill

Belichick would owe North Carolina $1 million if he bolts Chapel Hill before his deal ends. This buyout amount dropped from $10 million on June 1.

North Carolina's upcoming schedule presents some opportunities for Belichick to add a few more wins. Yet, none are guaranteed as the Tar Heels finish the season at Syracuse, vs. Stanford, at Wake Forest, vs. Duke and at NC State.

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Jonathan Adams
JONATHAN ADAMS

Jonathan Adams is a veteran sports writer who has written for notable outlets and interviewed some of the top athletes for more than 10 years. Since 2015, his sports coverage has been read by tens of millions and has been prominently featured on Heavy, NFL.com, Yahoo Sports, Pro Football Talk, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report and more. Jonathan is a member of the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and a voter for the Maxwell Award and Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year. He has interviewed many of the biggest stars in sports — Bryce Harper, Jayden Daniels, Justin Jefferson, Bijan Robinson and Micah Parsons to name a few — and has traveled the country to cover the College Football Playoff, NFL draft, Masters, March Madness, Senior Bowl, McDonald’s All-American Game and beyond. Jonathan Adams studied at the University of Central Florida and The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology. He holds master degrees in sport business management, business administration and theology & culture.

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