Despite reports suggesting that Bill Belichick and North Carolina might be heading for a divorce very soon, the Tar Heels head coach is apparently not planning to go anywhere.
Per Sean Neumann of People, one person close to Belichick said he has “never” considered invoking his buyout options to leave North Carolina.
“Bill was never looking into buyouts for UNC,” the source said. “It’s all sensational drama.”
On Saturday’s episode of College Gameday (starts at :40 mark), ESPN’s Pete Thamel said “nothing is imminent” with Belichick right now, but there will be a “crossroads” after this season that could involve “significant changes” to the roster, coaching staff or front office.
Thamel also noted the end-of-season changes could involve “some type of exit” for Belichick.
In the wake of North Carolina’s 38-10 loss to Clemson on Oct. 4, there have been rumors and speculation about the state of the program under Belichick and his future in Chapel Hill.
Andrew Jones of 247Sports reported on Tuesday that Tar Heels officials were having “preliminary conversations” about an exit strategy for Belichick.
Ollie Connelly of The Guardian noted the following day that Belichick has discussed buyout options with the school, including his “willingness to trigger” his own buyout if he could get a job in the media or with another team.
Amid all of this speculation, both Belichick and North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham issued separate statements on Wednesday affirming their commitment to each other.
There have been reports about Belichick coming into the college game with a level of arrogance because of his accomplishments in the NFL and division within the Tar Heels locker room due in part to a lack of structure from the top down.
This week also saw UNC cornerbacks coach Armond Hawkins get suspended for a violation of NCAA rules related to extra benefits.
Belichick’s contract with the university was initially reported as a five-year, $50 million deal, but it was later revealed only the first three years were fully guaranteed.
The start to this season has been a disaster for Belichick and the Tar Heels. They are 2-3 through five games and have been outscored 120-33 in three games against Power Four competition.
North Carolina has a bye this week before returning to play on Oct. 17 against California.
