The first year for Bill Belichick at North Carolina was anything but short on narratives. The former eight-time Super Bowl–winning head coach failed to replicate anything close to his NFL success in his opening season in college football. The Tar Heels finished 4-8 and 14th in the ACC.
That finish was worse than predecessor Mack Brown, who went 6-7 in his final season. Despite the regression, UNC brass are said to be committed to Belichick for “at least another year,” according to Inside Carolina.
That phrasing alone doesn’t exactly scream confidence, especially considering North Carolina signed the former New England Patriots coach to a five-year, $50 million deal with $30 million guaranteed over the first three years.
There was a caveat built into that contract, however — a $1 million buyout that went into effect on June 1. That means Belichick could walk away from the deal relatively cheaply if an NFL team came calling. And that possibility may already be surfacing.
Bill Belichick Reportedly Being Explored for NFL Jobs
With the NFL regular season winding down, several teams will be in the market for new head coaches once Black Monday arrives. According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, Belichick’s name is already being discussed by multiple organizations.
“I’m told there’s been recent interest expressed, at the very least, in speaking with Bill Belichick on an exploratory basis from two teams, per league source,” Anderson reported. “My understanding is Belichick has upper-level personnel still fond of him in Atlanta, New York, Cleveland, whilst all struggling teams going through customary evaluations this time of year.”
Belichick has ties to all three franchises. He spent years as an assistant with the New York Giants, winning two Super Bowls, which led to his first head-coaching job with the Browns. That stint ended in his fifth season. His connection to Atlanta is more recent and less storied — Belichick interviewed for the Falcons’ head coaching vacancy in 2024 before the team ultimately hired Raheem Morris.
It should be noted that only the Giants have officially moved on from their head coach. Cleveland remains committed to Kevin Stefanski, while Atlanta is still led by Morris.
Bill Belichick Insists He’s Committed to UNC
When North Carolina was routinely getting blown out earlier in the season, rumors began to surface that Belichick and the university could be headed toward a mutual separation. Those reports were later shot down by both Belichick and athletic director Bubba Cunningham — publicly.
“I’m fully committed to UNC Football and the program we’re building here,” Belichick said.
Cunningham echoed that stance, saying, “Coach Belichick has the full support of the Department of Athletics and University.”
Then on November 14, after speculation ramped up again tying Belichick to the Giants following Brian Daboll’s firing, Belichick took to Instagram to once again reiterate his commitment to North Carolina.
Ultimately, the rumors stem from a few realities. One, Belichick may genuinely want to prove he can succeed in college football after a disastrous first season filled with on-field struggles and off-field distractions. Two, he sits just 27 wins away from passing Don Shula’s all-time coaching wins record. And three, Belichick still appears driven to prove he can win without Tom Brady.
Until Belichick explicitly says he’s done coaching for good, NFL rumors are likely to follow him — whether he’s on a college sideline or not.
Bill Belichick’s UNC Future Faces Questions as NFL Teams Explore Interest: Report