Bill Belichick, the new football coach at North Carolina, has officially signed his employment contract, finalizing his hiring after speculation that he might return to the NFL. The university announced the signing on Thursday.
The contract was approved by university trustees earlier that day, and Chancellor Lee Roberts and Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham signed it. Belichick signed the deal on Wednesday.
Contract Details
The contract replaces the term sheet that was shared when the school introduced Belichick last month. The deal is a five-year agreement, but only the first three years are guaranteed. Belichick will receive $10 million annually in base and supplemental salary, with an additional $3.5 million available through bonuses. The contract includes a $10 million buyout if Belichick leaves before June, which will drop to $1 million after that.
Belichick’s Commitment to UNC
Despite rumors linking Belichick to other NFL teams, he has been active in recruiting for North Carolina and has shown a clear focus on the college program. Michael Lombardi, a former NFL executive now working as UNC’s general manager, took to social media to confirm Belichick’s commitment.
“His focus is on North Carolina football, hiring staff members and developing the team,” Lombardi posted last week. “The NFL (isn’t an) option so please stop making it one. Thank you.”
Additional Contract Benefits
Belichick’s contract includes several additional perks:
- An annual $100,000 expense allowance
- $100,000 in relocation expenses for moving to North Carolina
- Bonuses based on performance, ranging from $150,000 for winning eight regular-season games to $350,000 for winning 12 games
- A $200,000 bonus for leading UNC to a conference championship game, which increases to $300,000 if the team wins
- CFP appearance bonuses ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million, depending on how far the team goes
- Bonuses for bowl appearances and academic performance
- Perks such as country-club membership and up to 25 hours per year of private-aircraft usage
UNC’s Opening Game
The contract was announced the same day the Atlantic Coast Conference revealed its Labor Day weekend schedule. Belichick’s debut as UNC’s head coach will take place on Labor Day, when the Tar Heels host TCU at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN.
Belichick’s Career
Belichick, known for leading the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles, has a remarkable career. He has accumulated 333 regular-season and postseason NFL wins, just 14 short of Don Shula’s all-time record of 347.
