Will UNC fire Bill Belichick? Latest news on Tar Heels head coach's status as program spirals in Year 1

Bill Belichick’s tenure at North Carolina could be coming to a stunning — and controversial — end.

The 73-year-old coach enjoyed historic stability with the New England Patriots, staying for 24 years before departing following the 2023 season. His time at Chapel Hill, however, has been far from harmonious. After a string of losses — and amid allegations of NCAA violations — North Carolina appears poised to make a change just five games into Belichick’s collegiate coaching career.

Here’s what you need to know.

Will Bill Belichick get fired?

Belichick's first season in Chapel Hill has been one to forget thus far. Losses have piled up — so much so that North Carolina reportedly opted to forego its participation in a Hulu docuseries chronicling the team's trials and tribulations during the 2025 season.

Recent reports indicate more changes could be on the horizon for the Tar Heels. On Oct. 8, 247Sports' Andrew Jones reported that "potential exit strategy discussions" took place regarding Belichick's future at North Carolina. That doesn't necessarily mean Belichick will be sacked, but the idea has been floated in "preliminary conversations."

While the Tar Heels could very well finish with a worse record than they did under Mack Brown last year, the decision to potentially remove Belichick from his post appears to be related to potential rules violations committed by Belichick's coaching staff. On Oct. 7, cornerbacks coach Armond Hawkins was suspended. He is alleged to have offered extra benefits to a player's family members — a violation of NCAA rules.

Per Jones, Hawkins' alleged transgression is one of "many other violations that have occurred, many on the recruiting front.”

WRAL's Pat Welter reported that there is upheaval in Belichick's ranks. Citing interviews with players' families and unnamed sources, Welter spotlighted some of the issues that have surfaced during Belichick's tenure.

Among them, Welter claims, is North Carolina's organizational structure. According to Welter, the Tar Heels' coaching staff has faced questions about its experience level and "perceived nepotism." Belichick hired his sons, Steve and Brian. He also appointed Matt Lombardi as the team's quarterback coach — son of team general manager Michael Lombardi.

Bill Belichick UNC record

Through five games, Belichick is 2-3 as North Carolina's taskmaster. The Tar Heels claimed victories over Charlotte and Richmond. Meanwhile, their losses to TCU, UCF and Clemson came by a combined 83 points.

UNC record by year

Under Mack Brown's tutelage, the Tar Heels never won fewer than six games. The season is still young in Chapel Hill. But they're currently on pace to fall short of those standards.

Bill Belichick buyout details

With another four years and $40 million left on his deal after this year, Belichick appeared on pace to fetch a healthy buyout. However, recent reports indicate that he could exit stage left via a $1 million buyout.

Insider Ollie Connolly reported that Belichick is open to activating a $1 million buyout to leave the Tar Heels, assuming he can find a "soft landing spot" via another coaching gig or an analyst role in the media.