Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Bill Belichick claimed in Monday’s press conference that there is “zero truth” to reports that he and the University of North Carolina are exploring buyout options. The Tar Heels coach is currently signed to a contract worth $50 million over five years with the first three seasons guaranteed. The contract, however, does have a $1 million buyout clause that can be triggered by Belichick.
Last week, college football insider Ollie Connoly reported that Belichick and North Carolina were discussing the coach leaving the program after the team’s loss to Clemson. He even went so far as to claim Belichick expressed willingness to take a buyout if he can find something else he wanted to do with another team or with the media. Connoly also stated that several of Bill Belichick’s assistant coaches had already spoken to other schools and were even discussing working for other programs during the postseason.
Should North Carolina decide that the circus surrounding Bill Belichick, combined with a lack of success thus far, is too much, the university would be on the hook for $30 million. The only way the school could get out of the deal would be to fire Belichick with cause.
Bill Belichick doubles down on buyout rumors
On Monday, Bill Belichick reiterated that he and North Carolina are not discussing a buyout.
“There’s zero truth to any of that,” Belichick said. “Glad I’m here. We’re working toward our goals and the process. Have great support from Chancellor [Lee] Roberts, Bubba, Steve, and so forth, Mike Lombardi. Those people have all been great, and I appreciate all their help in everything.
“We just believe very much in the process. I think Bill Walsh said it, ‘The score will take care of itself.’ And I’ve always believed that.”
Belichick was referring to UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham, associate athletic director Steve Newmark, and general manager Mike Lombardi.
When asked why he felt the need to put out a statement last Wednesday, in the midst of a bye week, Belichick replied, “Just for clarification. There were some things that were reported that were just factually, totally inaccurate. So, I wanted to make sure we cleared those up.”
Bill Belichick addressed call to Kirk Herbstreit
As for why Bill Belichick called Kirk Herbstreit in the middle of College Gameday discussing him potentially leaving North Carolina on Saturday, he claimed he didn’t realize that Herbstreit was live on the air when he made the call.
“He had texted me asking if we could have a quick conversation about this. And I said, ‘Sure.’ So then I just dialed it,” Belichick told the media. “Then, of course, he didn’t answer. I have great respect for him, and have worked with him a number of times, but no, I didn’t realize he was on the air.”