Bill Belichick says he expects to coach North Carolina for a significant spell: 'I feel like doing it a long time'

Bill Belichick, in his early 70s, is taking a new job as the head coach for North Carolina’s football program. But he made clear during his introductory press conference that he isn’t just in Chapel Hill for a brief pitstop.

Belichick, many suspect, would like to get back to the NFL, though a match for a new job has yet to come along. And given his advanced age, there aren’t likely to be many more chances for Belichick. There’s a chance this could be his last head coaching gig, and one he might not be set to hold for long.

But when asked directly about it, Belichick said he has no designs on walking away from the game.

“I mean, I feel like doing it a long time. I’m good to go,” Belichick said.

And more specifically, he’s ready for the challenge of the college game and building out a program with the help of general manager Mike Lombardi.

“I think the recruiting process belongs to everyone,” Belichick said. “It belongs to Michael and his scouting staff and evaluations and setting that up in the recruiting department in terms of making this an attractive visit or destination for the athlete but it’s also part of the coaching job and certainly the head coach has a big role in that as well, to ensure the athletes, the student-athletes, that you’re giving them what they want. And there’s not always a fit there. Sometimes that doesn’t quite match up. But this university has so much to offer and our football program has a lot to offer that I think we’ll be able to attract a good, quality player.”

Belichick’s contract details were revealed on Thursday

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.