Former NFL scout: Bill Belichick 'signaled willingness' to trigger own buyout with North Carolina officials

In conversations with officials at North Carolina, Bill Belichick “signaled willingness” to trigger his own buyout if he could find “a soft landing with another team or in media,” according to former NFL scout Ollie Connolly. If Belichick chooses to leave UNC, he would owe the school $1 million.

Connolly reported some staffers believe North Carolina could make a change within two weeks. Additionally, Connolly said members of Belichick’s staff have had conversations with other schools in College Football Playoff contention about possible postseason roles.

During North Carolina’s first bye week, some coaches had a hard time getting in touch with Belichick, Connolly reported. His communication has been “weird” and “distant,” multiple coaching staff members told Connolly.

North Carolina takes a 2-3 record into its second bye this week, with wins coming over Richmond and Charlotte. Last time out against Clemson, the Tar Heels trailed 28-3 after the first quarter as the Tigers ultimately came away with the 38-10 victory at Kenan Stadium.

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.

More on Bill Belichick’s salary, buyout

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

If North Carolina was to fire Belichick without cause, the school would owe the rest of his guaranteed salary – which amounts to a $1 million base salary and $9 million in supplemental income over three years, according to the term sheet. Years 4 and 5 of the contract are not guaranteed.

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.

After this week’s bye, UNC will have a Friday night matchup against Cal in Week 8. That game will kick off Oct. 17 at 10:30 p.m. ET from Berkeley