North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick has only been on the job for a little over a month, yet he’s shown activity on the recruiting trail. Despite that, his name is still flying as a potential candidate for NFL head coaching openings in the near future. A source close to Belichick aimed to shut that down Thursday.
UNC General Manager States Bill Belichick’s Focus is Solely on the Tar Heels
When North Carolina hired head coach Belichick to lead their program following the 2024 season, it seemingly put the notion of the legendary coach returning to the NFL to bed.
It’s been just over a month since the hiring. Despite building an entire staff — a majority having NFL experience — and a general manager to deal with NIL and the changing landscape of college football, the Belichick-to-NFL rumors are still swirling.
FOLLOW ALONG: Track Every Transfer Portal Entrant in our CFN Transfer Portal Tracker now!
One social media post caught the attention of many when it was pointed out that Belichick does not have a signed contract with UNC. It was noted that under the terms of his deal with the Tar Heels if he were to head to the NFL, a $10 million buyout would take place.
Without a singed contract, details surrounding a buyout seemingly remain murky.
Michael Lombardi, the aforementioned GM, took to X to express his frustrations with the continuing rumors.
Bill is recruiting in DC today and Baltimore tomorrow. His focus is on North Carolina football, hiring staff members and developing the team. The NFL isnt a option so please stop making it one. Thank you. https://t.co/Z5sRAcYOCB
— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiuncgm) January 16, 2025
“Bill is recruiting in DC today and Baltimore tomorrow. His focus is on North Carolina football, hiring staff members and developing the team. The NFL isn’t an option so please stop making it one. Thank you.”
It’s understandable for Lombardi to speak out. The rumors could very well impact the Tar Heels’ recruiting — if the head coach isn’t assuredly heading the program, it undoubtedly changes things in a recruit’s eyes.
It’s worth noting that Belichick has 333 head coaching victories, second in NFL history behind Don Shula’s 347. Two seasons as a head coach would likely vault him into first place, cementing his resume as the greatest NFL coach of all time. It begs the question: How important is the record to Belichick?
His hiring at North Carolina was a surprise; he was expected to make the rounds in the interview process for the seven head coaching vacancies in the NFL.
At 72-years-old, the clock is ticking if he were to make the jump to the league and make a run for the record. The buyout in the contract allows for that to happen — including the lack of transparency regarding his contract.
NFL head coaching jobs open up each year. Belichick’s name will always be at or near the top of the list when they do become available. Though Lombardi tried to shut it down, too many things point towards the possibility of the current Tar Heels head coach flirting with a return to the highest level.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.