Sports

Bill Belichick Releases Statement Amid North Carolina Buyout Rumors And Reports Of His Coaching Staff Jumping Ship

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The Bill Belichick-North Carolina drama has taken another turn.

On Wednesday, college football insider Ollie Connoly reported that Belichick and North Carolina had been in buyout talks after the team’s disastrous loss to Clemson.

Via Ollie Connolly

Per sources: Bill Belichick has discussed buyout options with North Carolina’s hierarchy. Belichick has signalled a willingness to trigger his own $1 million buyout if he can find a soft landing with another team or in media.

According to Connolly, several of Belichick’s assistant coaches have already spoken to other teams about openings.

Members of Belichick’s coaching staff have already spoken to other schools that are expected to be in the CFB Playoff about taking on roles during the postseason. From one coach: “the rats are leaving the ship”.

Belichick’s communication with his staff in the past two weeks has been described as “weird” and “distant” by multiple members of UNC’s coaching staff. Multiple coaches were unable to get hold of him during UNC’s bye week

Hours after Connolly’s report, both Belichick and UNC released a joint statement denying the reports of a potential buyout.

Belichick: ‘I’m fully committed to UNC football and the program we’re building here’

North Carolina: “Coach Belichick has the full support of the athletic department

Fans reacted to UNC’s statement.