According to CBS Sports, legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick, introduced in December as the next head coach at the University of North Carolina (UNC), has not yet officially signed his contract with the school. Despite this, the six-time Super Bowl champion has actively started assembling a coaching staff and recruiting talent.
UNC confirmed this week that a fully executed contract between the university and Belichick remains unsigned. Sources suggest this could create a legal gray area regarding the potential buyout terms if Belichick were to leave for an NFL opportunity.
Belichick has reportedly signed an offer sheet with UNC, but he is not the only major coach to work without a formal contract. Michigan’s Sherrone Moore operated under similar conditions, coaching the Wolverines’ first two games of the season before finalizing his deal.
Belichick’s buyout at UNC currently stands at $10 million but will drop significantly to $1 million this summer. Without a signed contract, however, NFL teams might view his buyout as negligible, potentially making him an attractive candidate for professional roles.
Despite the contractual uncertainty, all indications point to Belichick being committed to his new role at UNC. He has not been formally interviewed by any NFL team during this hiring cycle, and his continued focus on building the Tar Heels’ program suggests he is not pursuing a return to the league. Mike Lombardi, UNC’s newly appointed general manager, addressed speculation on social media:
“Bill is recruiting in DC today and Baltimore tomorrow. His focus is on North Carolina football, hiring staff members, and developing the team. The NFL isn’t an option, so please stop making it one. Thank you.”
In his introductory press conference, Belichick affirmed his commitment to UNC, stating he did not take the job to leave. His actions have supported these words, as he continues to recruit top talent and finalize his staff.
Recent additions to the team include Mike Priefer, a longtime NFL special teams coach, and Will Friend, previously Western Kentucky’s offensive coordinator. The program has also brought in Armond Hawkins from Washington to coach defensive backs. Hawkins, who worked with Belichick’s son Steve last season, joins a staff where Steve Belichick is set to serve as defensive coordinator.
While speculation about an NFL return persists, Belichick’s current focus remains firmly on building a competitive North Carolina football program.