Bill Belichick: ‘I’m fully committed to UNC Football’

Audio By Carbonatix

Enlarge

Bill Belichick and North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham refuted a report on Wednesday that the program’s first-year coach discussed buyout options with the school.

“I’m fully committed to UNC Football and the program we are building here,” Belichick posted on the Tar Heels’ X account.

Cunningham added in a statement on the same tweet, “Coach Belichick has the full support of the Department of Athletics and University.”

Earlier Wednesday, the Guardian reported that Belichick, 73, expressed potential interest in finding a coaching or media job that could offset the $1 million buyout he would owe North Carolina if he leaves for another job.

The school would owe Belichick $20 million if it fires him unless it is able to do so with cause.

Belichick’s first season coaching college football after winning eight Super Bowls (six as a head coach, two as a defensive coordinator) has been disastrous.

The Tar Heels fell to 2-3 after a 38-10 home loss to Clemson on Saturday. North Carolina has lost all three of its games against Power 4 competition by a combined margin of 120-33.

Tar Heels assistant coach Armond Hawkins was suspended Tuesday for providing illegal benefits (sideline passes to a game) to a player’s family members, according to multiple media reports. The Guardian also reported that the school is already aware of practice and recruiting violations that have occurred, perhaps setting the stage for a with-cause dismissal.

Per the Guardian, Belichick’s communication with staff members has been described as “weird” and “distant.” Multiple coaches reportedly were unable to contact the head coach during the team’s recent bye week.

One North Carolina defensive assistant told the Guardian, “What we’ve done to these kids is f— up.”

North Carolina is currently in its second and final bye week of the season. The Tar Heels begin a stretch of seven straight games on Oct. 17 at Cal.

–Field Level Media