CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Bill Belichick is ready to start a new chapter for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s football program. He was formally introduced as the next head coach during a press conference at the university on Thursday.
The job marks his first coaching gig in college sports. Here is a breakdown of his coaching contract with UNC and plans for his coaching staff.
Only Three Years Guaranteed
UNC and Belichick have agreed to a five-year contract, but there is a catch. Only the first three years are guaranteed, according to the contract.
The new UNC head football coach will get $10 million annually with $30 million guaranteed, but years four and five are optional.
With the last two years of the contract being optional, it leaves the door open for Belichick to have an opportunity to return to the NFL in the future.
Contract Buyouts and NIL Funding
Per UNC’s contract with Belichick, his buyout drops from $10 million to only $1 million after June 1, 2025.
Contract Bonuses
According to CBS Sports, Belichick's contract offers him several opportunities to earn bonuses for wins during regular-season games:
- $150,000 for winning eight games
- $200,000 for winning nine games
- $250,000 for winning 10 games
- $300,000 for winning 11 games
- $350,000 for winning 12 games
If Belichick and the Tar Heels have an appearance in the ACC Championship Game, he could get $200,000. If he clinches a win in the ACC Championship Game, Belichick could receive $300,000.
If UNC has an appearance in the Top 25, Belichick could be up for the following bonuses:
- Top 25: $250,000
- Top 20: $300,000
- Top 15: $375,000
- Top 10: $425,000
- Top 5: $500,000
Belichick’s contract lays out academic and Coach of the Year bonuses, too.
Belichick’s Vision for His Staff
Belichick has plans to bring some familiar NFL faces to his coaching staff.
Michael Lombardi will be the general manager of UNC’s football program. He worked for multiple teams in the NFL from 1984 through 2007. Belichick and Lombardi worked together for the New England Patriots from 2014 to 2016.
Lombardi has experience working in college sports. He was the recruiting coordinator at UNLV in the 1980s.
During Thursday’s press conference, Belichick noted UNC interim head coach Freddie Kitchens would be his first staff hire. Kitchens was named the interim head coach for the team after Brown’s firing.
Kitchens served as an NFL coach from 2006 to 2021 and was the head coach for the Cleveland Browns in 2019.
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