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Bill Belichick affirms commitment to North Carolina, Bubba Cunningham gives 'full support'

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz10/09/25NickSchultz_7
North Carolina HC Bill Belichick
Bob Donnan | Imagn Images

Both Bill Belichick and North Carolina athletics director Bubba Cunningham released statements Wednesday night. Belichick affirmed his commitment to the program and Cunningham said the athletics department gives its full support.

Rumors made their way across social media about the state of the program amid a 2-3 start to Belichick’s first year. North Carolina is on a bye this week as it works to bounce back from a loss to Clemson in Week 6.

All the while, speculation grew quickly about Belichick’s future in Chapel Hill. In a joint statement Wednesday night, he made his commitment to the program clear while Cunningham said Belichick has the school’s full support.

“I’m fully committed to UNC Football and the program we’re building here,” Belichick said.

“Coach Belichick has the full support of the Department of Athletics and University,” Cunningham said.

As questions began to grow around the state of the program in Chapel Hill, On3’s Pete Nakos and Inside Carolina’s Ben Sherman had more details on where things stand. UNC will take on Cal in a Friday night primetime game next week out of the bye.

Entering Week 7, North Carolina ranks 133rd out of 136 in the nation in total offense, averaging 263.8 yards to start the year. The Tar Heels also rank last in the ACC in scoring with just 18.8 points per game so far this season.

Additionally, The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman reported UNC cornerbacks coach Armond Hawkins is facing a suspension for alleged improper benefits. Feldman reported Hawkins gave members of a player’s family sideline passes for a game – a violation of NCAA rules.

Bill Belichick is making $10 million this year in his first season as North Carolina head coach following a Hall of Fame-caliber career in the NFL. That figure makes him the ninth highest-paid coach in college football this year, according to data compiled by USA Today.

Belichick signed a five-year contract at UNC, though Years 4 and 5 of the deal are not guaranteed, according to the term sheet. If North Carolina was to fire Belichick without cause, the school would owe the rest of his guaranteed salary. That amounts to roughly $20 million as of Dec. 1, 2025.

However, a key clause triggered in Belichick’s contract over the summer. June 1, his buyout dropped to $1 million if he chose to leave North Carolina without cause. That number was previously $10 million prior to June 1, 2025.