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Bill Belichick Joins UNC Football with $50M Deal, Potential NFL Escape Clause

Dec 13, 2024, 04:00 PM

Bill Belichick, the legendary NFL coach, has been appointed as the new head football coach at the University of North Carolina (UNC) with a five-year contract worth $10 million annually, of which $30 million is guaranteed for the first three years. Belichick, who has a personal connection to the university through his father who once coached there, brings a wealth of experience from his time with the New England Patriots, where he won six Super Bowls. His hiring was met with enthusiasm from various stakeholders, including UNC's athletic director Bubba Cunningham and Chancellor Lee Roberts. The move to college football represents a significant shift for Belichick, who has never officially coached at this level before. His contract includes a notable buyout clause: $10 million if he leaves before June 1, 2025, dropping to $1 million after that date, suggesting a potential easy exit back to the NFL if an opportunity arises. Belichick's girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, expressed support for his new role with the phrase 'We’re Onto Chapel Hill!' His transition to college coaching is seen as both a challenge and an opportunity, with expectations high for him to leverage his NFL pedigree to elevate UNC's football program.