UNC Football Player Announces Retirement Amid Bill Belichick Rumors

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Oct 10, 2025 1:57 PM ET

North Carolina has the week off, but Bill Belichick's squad still took an unfortunate hit this Friday.

On Friday morning, North Carolina running back Caleb Hood announced his retirement. He thanked Belichick, his assistant coaches and teammates in a heartfelt letter he shared on Instagram.

Hood appeared in four games for the Tar Heels this season, rushing for44 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. The senior from Rockingham, North Carolina also had six catches for 29 yards. He'll finish his college career with 515 rushing yards, 194 receiving yards and four total touchdowns.

“After much thought and prayer and discussion with my family, I have decided to retire from football,” Hood wrote on Instagram. “My journey at UNC has been special and I appreciate my time here. I am exited to start the next chapter and will always take my memories of Carolina with me. I want to thank Coach Belichick, Coach Kitchens and Coach Means for giving me an opportunity, as well as all my other coaches and teammates throughout my years of football for the impact they’ve all had on my life."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Caleb Hood (@calebhood5)

Bill Belichick experiment off to rocky start.

It was reported by multiple insiders this week that Belichick could leave Chapel Hill before this year is even over.

Andrew Jones of 247Sports.com’s Inside Carolina reported Wednesday that “potential exit strategy discussions” took place. Ollie Connolly of The Guardian and Read Optional, on the other hand, reported that Belichick has “signaled" a willingness to trigger the $1 million buyout in his contract.

"Reports of serious recruiting violations remain under investigation at UNC. Recruiting and practice violations have already been proven by the school, according to multiple sources," Connolly wrote. "Using recruit violations to knockdown a coaches buyout has become a standard practice. If Belichick cannot find a landing spot to trigger his own buyout, he’s excepted to accept a greatly reduced, compromised rate."

Sep 1, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick on the field before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images© Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Belichick addressed the rumors Wednesday night by releasing a statement announcing his commitment to North Carolina.

"I'm fully committed to UNC Football and the program we're building here," Belichick said.

If Belichick can't turn things around soon, he might just consider leaving college football behind.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: