The North Carolina Tar Heels’ experiment under Bill Belichick seems to be failing, with losses coming against TCU, UCF, and Clemson. But the Tar Heels are still stuck with Belichick, owing to the $30 million reported buyout. Showing the door to Belichick will cost massively, something UNC would want to avoid by all means. However, the recent suspension of Armond Hawkins by UNC has given the program some fuel to maneuver negotiating out of Belichick’s contract cheaply.

Armand Hawkins, UNC’s CBs coach, was suspended recently for “recruiting violations.” According to The Athletic, he is allegedly involved in giving “extra benefits” to the recruits. After the revelation, the program came heavily on him, and Hawkins was put on leave, pending an investigation. “North Carolina Assistant football coach Armond Hawkins has been suspended for violating NCAA rules related to extra benefits. He will remain on leave as the Department of Athletics further investigates,” read a recent statement by the program. But this investigation can also turn into a nightmare for Belichick, owing to an NCAA bylaw.

The NCAA bylaw 11.1.1.1 stipulates that head coaches are responsible for all the staff members reporting to them. UNC has also highlighted identifying “potential actions detrimental to the team and the University.” So, Matt Hayes of USA Today reported on UNC trying to use this opportunity to get rid of Belichick. “Belichick + NCAA violations + for cause = get out of $30 million buyout,” wrote Hayes on X. Moreover, Belichick, too, is ready to leave UNC.

Belichick’s buyout guarantees him $20 million plus the $10 million, his annual salary. This totals to $30 million, but will only trigger if the head coach is fired without cause. But in Armand Hawkins’ case and pending investigation, the program can frame the whole issue as the relevant cause, if Hayes is to be believed. Moreover, according to an October 9th X post by former NFL scout Ollie Connolly, Belichick has started pondering exiting. But only if he could find another role in the media or in football.

“Bill Belichick has discussed buyout options with North Carolina’s hierarchy. Belichick has signaled a willingness to trigger his own $1 million buyout if he can find a soft landing with another team or in the media,” wrote Connolly on X. Not just that, Belichick’s staffers at UNC were also reported to be looking at exiting options. Connolly, too, relayed a coach’s statement in that regard. “The rats are leaving the ship,” wrote Connonlly. Moreover, he also touted changes possibly coming within 2 weeks. What’s next then, and is it really happening?

Bill Belichick opens up on the rumors in the media

Bill Belichick has found it hard to adjust to college football, having no prior experience. The team is 2-3 so far, and the losses have been brutal. For instance, the head coach has been outscored 120-33 against Power 5 teams and sits 123rd nationally in passing offense. The defense, too, hasn’t performed and is 76th nationally, giving away 373.2 yards per game. For a head coach who is getting upwards of $10 million annually, the losses are too concerning. However, the program for now has been clarified after Ollie Connolly’s post garnered 11.4 million views.

“Coach Belichick has the full support of the Department of Athletics and the University,” said Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham. Belichick, too, clarified on the issue and dispelled the rumors. “I’m fully committed to UNC football and the program we’re building here,” said the head coach. While the statements do clarify the rumors, the actions recently speak otherwise.

For instance, a recent documentary planned for the program was canceled after Belichick’s blowout loss against Clemson. Moreover, GM Michael Lombardi even had to clarify in a letter to the donors that UNC is in a “rebuilding” year. Surely, all of it could be coincidental. However, Armond Hawkins’ story has given more fuel to these rumors, and it remains to be seen how the situation plays out.