Despite inquiries from NFL teams, North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick reportedly plans to stay put.
On Wednesday, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini tweeted that Belichick has “no plans to return to the NFL” and is recruiting prospects in New Jersey.
In December 2024, Belichick, 72, signed a five-year deal with North Carolina. His contract includes a $10M buyout if he leaves before June 1, 2025. It drops to $1M after that.
That hasn’t stopped NFL teams from kicking the tires on Belichick. NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero previously reported multiple teams contacted the former New England Patriots HC, including the Las Vegas Raiders (4-13).
New Vegas minority owner Tom Brady, a former quarterback, played for Belichick for 20 seasons in New England, winning six Super Bowls. While there is a connection, it doesn’t appear the Raiders are targeting Belichick.
According to Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Brady was “picking Belichick’s brain” instead of trying to lure him to the Raiders.
Vegas — which fired HC Antonio Pierce Tuesday — already has other interviews scheduled. Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reported the Raiders will have a virtual meeting with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson on Friday.
In his introductory news conference, the coach indicated that he is not using the North Carolina job as an avenue to return to the NFL.
“I didn’t come here to leave,” Belichick told the media.
Plus, Belichick isn’t fond of the modern NFL. ESPN’s Seth Wickersham recently shared that one of his confidants said he’s “disgusted” by what the league has become.
Belichick’s name may continue to appear in coaching rumors, but don’t be surprised if he stays in North Carolina to revamp its program. The Tar Heels haven’t won the ACC since 1980. This past season, they went 6-7 and fired head coach Mack Brown before their bowl game.
