The University of North Carolina (UNC) is shutting down rumors that head football coach Bill Belichick is already looking for a way out. The school released a firm statement after The Guardian’s Ollie Connolly claimed Belichick was in “buyout discussions” with UNC leadership.

According to Connolly’s report, Belichick allegedly hinted he’d be willing to trigger his own $1 million buyout if UNC helped him land a “soft landing” — possibly a media gig or another coaching role.

But if UNC fires him without cause, they could be on the hook for around $20 million, making this one of the costliest terminations in college football history.

The reports came as UNC football is already facing internal tension and NCAA attention following the suspension of cornerbacks coach Armond Hawkins, who’s accused of giving a player’s family unauthorized sideline passes — a clear NCAA violation.

UNC Coach Armond Hawkins Suspended For Handing Out Extra Tickets

Sources inside the program told The Read Optional that Belichick had grown “distant” from his assistants and barely communicated during the team’s bye week.

The Tar Heels’ rocky 2–3 start to the season hasn’t helped calm speculation either.

UNC wasted no time firing back. Within hours, the school’s Athletic Communications team dropped a statement across official Tar Heels social channels:

Bill Belichick: “I am fully committed to UNC Football and the program we’re building here.”
Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham: “Coach Belichick has the full support of the Department of Athletics and the University.”

Statements from Carolina Athletics. pic.twitter.com/g8zn6WoxTW

— UNC Tar Heels (@GoHeels) October 9, 2025

UNC Coach Buyout Rumors

The joint statement was short, clean, and clearly meant to silence the noise — but some fans still aren’t convinced the smoke is gone for good.