The UNC football program just can’t stay out of the headlines thanks to Bill Belichick. Since the former NFL head coach arrived in Chapel Hill, the Tar Heels have gotten more press than ever before — although mostly for the wrong reasons.
When North Carolina made the decision to hire the 73-year-old, multi-time Super Bowl winner, it knew Belichick would be a headline grabber. The expectation, however, was that the attention would come from a positive light.
That hasn’t been the case, whether it’s because of his relationship with 24-year-old Jordon Hudson, his lingering pettiness toward the New England Patriots, or now the dysfunction brewing inside the program.
The Tar Heels are 2-3 so far under Belichick, with all three losses coming against Power Four opponents in lopsided fashion.
Needless to say, this era of North Carolina football is already considered a massive failure, with initial rumors flying that Belichick and the university were looking toward an exit strategy and that he may not make it to the game against Cal this weekend.
That idea, however, was put on hold — at least for now — when both Belichick and athletic director Bubba Cunningham confirmed their commitment to one another through the school’s social media account.
"I'm fully committed to UNC Football and the program we're building here," Belichick said.
Cunningham added, "Coach Belichick has the full support of the Department of Athletics and University."
Still, not everyone thinks sticking with Belichick is the right call. USA Today’s Matt Hayes argued that UNC should already be preparing to move on, despite the potential financial hit. He even suggested a replacement: Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell.
"It’s not too late to throw $30 million go away money at the mess, and hire Campbell after the season," Hayes wrote.
Campbell was said to be Cunningham’s top choice to replace Mack Brown after his firing, but that decision was overruled. UNC Board of Trustees member John Preyer reportedly went over Cunningham’s head to hire Belichick, the future Pro Football Hall of Famer.
In 15 seasons between Toledo and Iowa State, Campbell has compiled a 104-67 record as a head coach. He currently has the Cyclones sitting at 5-1 this season, coming off his best year yet — an 11-3 campaign in 2024.
As for the $30 million, that’s believed to be the total UNC would have to pay in order to cut ties with Belichick and cover the remainder of his deal.