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Bill Belichick's Dramatically Reduced Buyout at North Carolina Arrives

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mark Phelps | Last updated Jun 1, 2025 4:12 PM ET

Bill Belichick, who became the most accomplished head coach in NFL history during his 24 seasons with the New England Patriots, was introduced as North Carolina's head coach on Dec. 11. Belichick ultimately signed his coaching contract with the Tar Heels in January.

The terms of Belichick’s deal include an annual salary of $10 million over five years. Likely worried about the potential for Belichick returning to the NFL soon after signing the deal, the school included a $10 million buyout in the contract that drops to $1 million on June 1, 2025.

As reported by ProFootballTalk, the arrival of Belichick's reduced buyout gives him power in his relationship with the Tar Heels.

"It's June 1. The Bill Belichick buyout has dropped from $10 million to $1 million. That gives Belichick plenty of power over his relationship with North Carolina."

It's June 1. The Bill Belichick buyout has dropped from $10 million to $1 million. That gives Belichick plenty of power over his relationship with North Carolina. https://t.co/ExrmSoGncV
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) June 1, 2025

ProFootballTalk further reported why Belichick now has more power than he did.

"Belichick, as of today, has far more power. If he doesn’t get what he wants, he can pay the money and leave. If they try to take something he has, he can pay the money and leave. If they persist in their position that his 24-year-old girlfriend/handler/publicist/idea mill/creative muse Jordon Hudson isn’t allowed to work for the football program, he can pay the money and leave."

Only the first three years of Belichick's five-year contract are guaranteed. He can also earn up to $3.5 million per year in bonuses. However, with the reduced buyout clause, he can choose to leave the program at any time by paying the buyout amount, which would be due within 180 days.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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