Bill Belichick contract: New details emerge on length, bonuses, buyout at UNC

Following his introductory press conference at North Carolina, Bill Belichick’s contract details have been revealed. More details are emerging on the length of the deal, as well as bonuses and his buyout.

Belichick agreed to a five-year deal at UNC worth $10 million per year – $1 million in base salary and $9 million in supplemental income. The first three years are guaranteed, but the final two are not. In addition, his buyout sits at $10 million before June 1, 2025. That figure drops to $1 million after that date.

At $10 million per year, Belichick’s salary ranks among the top in college football. Based on 2024 salary data, he would be tied for the sixth-highest paid coach in the game along with Kalen DeBoer at Alabama and Mike Norvell at Florida State, according to the On3 Coach Salaries Index.

Belichick can also earn up to $3.5 million per year in bonuses, according to the term sheet. In the regular season, he gets a $150,000 bonus for winning eight games, and another $50,000 for each additional win. If North Carolina appears in the conference championship game, he would net $200,000. With a victory, the bonus increases to $300,000.

During the postseason, Belichick would earn $150,000 for a non-College Football Playoff bowl appearance, but $350,000 for an “Elite” bowl appearance outside of the CFP. A Playoff berth would net him $750,000, with $250,000 in additional bonuses for each additional victory in the bracket.

There are also bonuses in place based on the final CFP rankings. A Top-25 ranking for North Carolina would mean a $250,000 bonus for Belichick. If the Tar Heels rank in the Top 20, he’d get $300,000, and the number increases to $375,000 if they get into the Top 15. Belichick would then receive $425,000 if UNC finishes in the Top 10 and $500,000 in the Top 5.

UNC’s football revenue-sharing plan revealed

Bill Belichick’s contract also indicated what UNC’s plan is for revenue-sharing, which could be coming if the House v. NCAA settlement receives final approval. The school is preparing to share $13 million with the football program, according to the budget estimate.

After preliminary approval of the House v. NCAA settlement, schools are preparing for the revenue-sharing era in college athletics. If the settlement is fully approved in April, schools can directly share upward of $20 million with athletes. In 2025, that cap would be a projected $20.5 million.

In addition, Belichick will receive $10 million for an assistant coach salary pool and $1 million for the strength and conditioning staff. His contract also allows for a $5.3 million salary pool for the support staff – including for a general manager, a newly created position at North Carolina which will go to former NFL GM Michael Lombardi.

What Bill Belichick brings to North Carolina

Bill Belichick has never coached at the college football level, but his credentials speak for themselves. He has eight Super Bowl rings, including six with the New England Patriots alongside Tom Brady, and is considered arguably the greatest coach in NFL history. During his career as a head coach with the Patriots and Cleveland Browns, Belichick has a 302-165 record.

After parting ways with the Patriots last year, Bill Belichick took a major step into the media world this season. He appears on the ManningCast during the first half when games air on ESPN2 and has a weekly spot on The Pat McAfee Show. He also does work with Underdog Fantasy and appears on Inside The NFL on The CW.

Now, Bill Belichick is returning to coaching – at a place he knows well. His father, a longtime coach at Navy, served as a backfield coach at North Carolina in the 1950s. His son, Steve Belichick, is also wrapping up his first season as the defensive coordinator at Washington under Jedd Fisch.