Bill Belichick’s days in Chapel Hill appear to be numbered. Things have gone terribly wrong for the Tar Heels at the start of the season, and many suspect the coach is considering stepping away from the UNC program.
Belichick’s experiment is collapsing beyond control. The team suffered a 48-14 loss to TCU and another 38-10 defeat to Clemson last Saturday. They’ll take the field again on October 17, but projections look far from promising.
Exit talks intensify
According to the New York Post, Andrew Jones of 247 Sports reported on Tuesday that there are “possible discussions about an exit strategy” taking place in North Carolina. Sources also say the program has held “preliminary conversations” about firing the coach.
However, signs suggest Belichick himself may be seeking a way out of UNC. College football journalist Ollie Connolly revealed that the legendary coach “has discussed buyout options with UNC’s leadership” and even expressed his willingness to trigger his own $1 million buyout—if he can secure another opportunity with a team or in the media.
UNC Is Already Reportedly Discussing ‘Potential Exit Strategies’ for Bill Belichick and Some Think He Might Not Make It to Next Week pic.twitter.com/uaIZBkzoXN
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 8, 2025
Connolly also noted that Belichick has been acting “strange” and “distant” toward his staff. Reports claim that assistant coaches couldn’t reach him during the team’s bye week.
Adding to the turmoil, a lawsuit filed in September alleges that UNC’s board illegally hired Belichick. Jones cited a source claiming there were “many other violations,” particularly in recruiting practices.
To make matters worse, a WRAL News report portrayed Belichick’s program as completely dysfunctional, with a disorganized coaching staff and a divided locker room. Things have deteriorated so much that UNC scrapped a documentary meant to showcase Belichick’s first year as the Tar Heels’ head coach.
All these issues appear to be putting enormous pressure on the 73-year-old coach. At this point, a resignation before an official firing no longer seems unlikely.
