Bill Belichick has been on the recruiting trail before, but it’s officially official that he’s from North Carolina Head coach of the next After signing his contract.
And it’s a contract with mind-blowing numbers.
Tar heels released Belichick’s deal, which runs through the end of 2029, on Thursday. The 72-year-old will earn $10 million per season, although his official base salary is $1 million.
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New North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick at the Loudermilk Center for Excellence. (Images Jim Dedmon/Imagn)
The other $9 million will come from what is described as “Additional income.”
Belichick, the six times Super Bowl Champion with the New England Patriots, immediately became one of the top 10 highest paid coaches in college football. Seven coaches earned $10 million or more in 2024, according to USA Today.
The highest-paid coach in the country is Georgia’s Kirby Smart at more than $13 million per season. Clemson’s Dabo Swinney ($11.13 million), Texas’ Steve Sarkisian ($10.6 million), USC’s Lincoln Riley ($10.043 million) and Ohio State’s Ryan Day ($10.021 million). dollars), fresh from a national championship victory, rounds out the top five.
Like many other contracts, Belichick’s has incentives that would trigger massive salaries if met, including a $750,000 bonus if the Tar Heels reach the College Football Playoff. If they win a national title, Belichick would receive a $1.75 million bonus.
Other incentives include a $150,000 bonus for reaching a bowl game as well as a $350,000 bonus if the team makes an “elite” bowl without a game. These would be Pop-Tarts Bowl, Gator Bowl, Duke’s Mayo Bowl and a few others.
New North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick speaks to the media at the Loudermilk Center for Excellence. (Images Jim Dedmon/Imagn)
Finally, a top 25 ranking at the end of the regular season would also trigger a $250,000 bonus for Belichick. And he’d like to get his $350,000 elite bowl game bonus if the Tar Heels finish in the top 25.
Belichick is also confirmed to have a buyout clause, which has been widely reported as North Carolina’s stipulation should he leave for an NFL job. If Belichick leaves UNC before June 1, the university owes $10 million. After June 1, the buyout drops to $1 million.
However, despite several NFL teams reportedly contacting Belichick, he said during his introductory press conference he was in Chapel Hill to stay.
North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick answers questions during a news conference at the Loudermilk Center for Excellence. (Images Jim Dedmon/Imagn)
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He’s already showing his commitment to the program by hitting the road and talking with recruits as he aims to build a playoff roster through the new draw system.
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