How Much It Would Cost Bill Belichick To Leave North Carolina After One Season
12/13/2024 01:59 PM
Bill Belichick is set to embark on a new coaching journey next season with the University of North Carolina. He's been a perennial winner at the NFL level with several Super Bowls, conference and division titles, but he will be tackling the sport of college football for the first time in his illustrious career.
Belichick's new contract is a three-year deal, but some have expressed doubt over the coach's commitment to the college game. With NFL jobs opening by the month, some feel that he could be swayed back to the pros by the right team with the right offer.
Belichick would be free to go whenever he chooses, but it would be costly for the veteran if he leaves before the end of his first year.
Belichick's buyout in his contract is currently set at $10 million - one year of his salary under the three-year, $30 million deal - but it will shrink down to $1 million if the clause is put into action after June 1, 2025.
Here is the contract for Bill Belichick
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) December 12, 2024
Three years guaranteed ($30 million), on a five year deal. Sounds like a TBD on financial after 3rd year.
Buyout drops from $10 million to just $1 million after June 1st, 2025. pic.twitter.com/6uEwTpmszz
The money is officially described as $1 million in "base salary," joined by an additional $9 million in "supplemental income." The first three years of the package are fully guaranteed, but there is an option to add a fourth and fifth year should both sides negotiate it down the line.
Belichick will receive bonuses for winning eight or more games in a season, topping out at a $350,000 bonus for a 12-win season.
If the team makes it to the conference championship he would get $200,000, or $300,000 if they won the ACC title.
If Belichick can send Carolina to the College Football Playoff, he's in line for even more impressive bonuses. A $750,000 bonus comes if UNC makes the playoff, with bonuses exceeding $1 million for each win through the various rounds.
Finally, Belichick would also earn bonuses based on North Carolina's finish in the final CFP poll, topping out at $500,000 for finishing in the top five.
We'll see what incentives Belichick is able to trigger during his time in Chapel Hill, as the North Carolina football program is receiving its most national attention in several years.
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