Belichick, UNC affirm commitment to football program amid rumors

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) — Amid a 2-3 start to a season that began with hopes as high as the Carolina blue sky, rumors have started to swirl this week about head coach Bill Belichick’s future with the North Carolina football program.

Reports of dysfunction in the program and dissatisfaction among fans — which has been brewing in the weeks since a disastrous season-opening game to TCU in primetime on Labor Day night — have increased following the Tar Heels’ latest blowout loss Saturday to Atlantic Coast Conference foe Clemson.

Late Wednesday night, UNC Athletics released two statements in a single graphic posted on social media, seemingly addressing rumors that the involved parties are seeking a way out of the contract signed 10 months ago.

“I’m fully committed to UNC football and the program we’re building here,” Bill Belichick said in the first statement.

“Coach Belichick has the full support of the Department of the Athletics and University,” said Bubba Cunningham, UNC’s athletic director, in the second statement.

Belichick signed a five-year contract on Dec. 11 that gives him a base salary of $1 million along with $9 million in supplemental income, among other benefits. According to the terms of the contract, the first three years of his base salary and supplemental income are guaranteed, even if the “University terminates without cause” before Dec. 31, 2027. If Belichick takes a buyout — “Coach terminates without cause” — he will be required to pay UNC $1 million within 180 days of the termination date.