Bill Belichick has reportedly not yet signed his UNC contract, prompting fresh speculation that he could leave his role in college football and return to the NFL before coaching a game.
Belichick stunned the footballing world by taking on the role as head coach at the University of North Carolina late last year, rather than waiting for a return to the NFL.
But it has now emerged that the 72-year-old has only signed a term sheet, according to CBS, which is not a legally binding contract. It means that if Belichick walked out on the team for an NFL franchise, all parties would be in a gray area legally.
CBS Sports says that UNC have even confirmed that the term sheet is the only document Belichick has signed so far.
Since being unveiled as head coach, Belichick has looked every bit the committed college coach.
As well as publicly dismissing claims he could leave at the first sign of NFL interest, he has been travelling around the country recruiting prospects from high school and constructing his coaching staff.
But NFL teams are still said to be trying their luck. Tom Brady reportedly sounded Belichick out over what would have been a potentially stunning reunion in Las Vegas to coach the Raiders.
And now, the Dallas Cowboys vacancy is available as well after Jerry Jones – who Belichick is said to have a positive relationship with – dismissed head coach Mike McCarthy this week.
‘I didn’t come here to leave,’ Belichick said at his introductory press conference at Chapel Hill when quizzed about his NFL ambitions.
And the UNC general manager moved to try and ease fears Belichick could be heading for the exit on Thursday.
‘Bill is recruiting in DC today and Baltimore tomorrow,’ Michael Lombardi wrote on X.
‘His focus is on North Carolina football, hiring staff members and developing the team. The NFL isnt a option so please stop making it one. Thank you.
‘The reception towards UNC and Coach Belichick has been amazing from every school we visit. We are going to fight to keep North Carolina players here and bring the best to Chapel Hill.’
But even if his contract had been signed by now, there would have been a break clause of $10million for NFL teams to hire Belichick before June 1. After that, it would drop to just $1m.
Belichick left the New England Patriots in January 2024 after 24 seasons and six Super Bowl titles.
The Patriots replaced him with Jerod Mayo, who coached on Belichick’s staff, but fired Mayo earlier in January after just one season, hiring Mike Vrabel in his place.
But the Cowboys, Raiders, New York Jets, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints and Jacksonville Jaguars all now have head coaching vacancies available.
On Wednesday, it emerged that Belichick was closing in on a deal to bring longtime NFL special teams head coach Mike Priefer to North Carolina.
After leaving the Patriots, Belichick was keen to return to the NFL quickly and interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons, who ultimately hired Raheem Morris.
