Bill Belichick Has Made Final Decision On His North Carolina Contract

North Carolina hired Bill Belichick as its new head coach in early December, but it was recently revealed this week that his contract hasn't been signed. 

When CBS Sports reported that Belichick's contract with UNC was still unsigned, that sparked speculation about his future in Chapel Hill. After all, there were rumblings about the Las Vegas Raiders having interest in him for their head coaching vacancy. Most fans assumed that he wouldn't go back to the NFL this year because of his $10 million buyout. That wouldn't be a problem for NFL teams if he didn't sign his contract with North Carolina.

All that being said, the Super Bowl-winning coach won't return to the NFL this year. UNC confirmed this Thursday that Belichick's contract has been signed. 

ESPN's Pete Thamel received a copy of Belichick's deal with North Carolina. It has the breakdown for his $10 million salary and it includes the clause where his buyout drops to $1 million after June 1, 2025. 

It's not really a surprise that Belichick got a deal done with the Tar Heels. Their general manager, Michael Lombardi, told "The Pat McAfee Show" that contracts take a bit more time when you're dealing with a state institution. 

"Contracts are very complicated and if you understand the North Carolina system, it's a state institution, it takes a while to get things done," Lombardi said. "There's a lot of hurdles to go through. I haven't signed my contract yet."