Bill Belichick lands $10M yearly salary to coach UNC football

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- The University of North Carolina made it worth Bill Belichick's while to take the helm of his first ever college football team.

Belichick signed a five-year deal, with the first three years, $30 million guaranteed. A clause in the contract drops Belichick's buy-out from $10 million to $1 million starting June 1, 2025.

The move could have reverberations across both the athletics department and campus at-large, as the school itself and surrounding businesses look to capitalize on the excitement.

"What we know is in order to fundraise, you need engagement. And you need alums who have a vested interest in what's happening here at the university. And we know that our sports programs are the front door of that. And so it all works together," said Jennifer Lloyd, a UNC Board of Trustee member whose son is a member of the football team.

While Belichick is the big-name, the contract lays out framework which would put salaries for assistants and support staff among the highest levels of the sport, with significant increases in NIL expected as UNC works to build its roster.

"We should be on an even playing field to compete, and (previously) we really weren't on an even playing field," said Lloyd.

Belichick's full contract details were posted to GoHeels.com.

It shows the contract is for five years, but only the first three years include guaranteed money. In addition, the buyout from Belichick's side is just $1 million after June 2025.

The contract also includes a litany of bonuses for Belichick based on the team's level of success on and off the field. For example, if Belichick accomplishes the unimaginable and wins a national title, he'll get a $1,750,000 bonus.

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Other benefits included in Belichick's contract include a courtesy car, a membership to Chapel Hill Country Club, and an expense allowance of $100,000.