Two high-level sources at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on Thursday refuted a report that the university was looking into a possible exit strategy for football coach Bill Belichick.
The sources, whom WRAL Sports is not naming, said UNC has not had any discussions about a possible termination or exit strategy for Belichick.
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It comes after a Wednesday report from TarHeel247 that said UNC was looking into a possible exit strategy for the coach.
On Wednesday night, UNC Athletics posted statements on the social media platform X from Belichick and Athletics Director Bubba Cunningham.
“I’m fully committed to UNC Football and the program we’re building here,” Belichick said.
“Coach Belichick has the full support of the Department of Athletics and University,” Cunningham said.
UNC is off to a 2-3 start, with blowout losses to TCU, UCF and Clemson.
The Tar Heels play on the road on Oct. 17 against California.
Related: Bill Belichick 'fully committed' to UNC amid reports of dysfunction, toxic culture at program
UNC players show support online while UNC Board of Trustees remain silent on Belichick
Several UNC players have posted on social media in support of Belichick.
Sophomore linebacker Khmori House posted on X, “Block the noise. GoHeels. They can’t break us! Greatness is a Process.”
Redshirt freshman defensive lineman Leroy Jackson posted on X, “TRUST THE PROCESS!!!”
Belichick recruited House to UNC, whereas Jackson enrolled at UNC before the head coach's arrival in Chapel Hill.
Sources told WRAL that Belichick gave preferential treatment to players he recruited compared to the players already on the roster before he arrived in Chapel Hill.
Several UNC recruits have also affirmed their commitment to the university.
WRAL News has not received a response from any of the 15 members of UNC's Board of Trustees. The university's athletics department also hasn't said anything other than Wednesday night's social media post with Belichick and Cunningham.
UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts declined to speak with WRAL News on Thursday.
Terms of Bill Belichick's buyout
Belichick can terminate his deal with UNC if he pays the university a buyout of $1 million.
It would have cost Belichick $10 million if he left UNC before June 1, 2025.
The first three years of Belichick’s five-year, $50 million contract are guaranteed. If UNC decided to fire Belichick without cause, the university would owe him everything he was set to earn up until Dec. 31, 2027. Since Belichick’s contract shows he makes $10 million annually, his guaranteed payment is three years for $30 million.
Belichick’s buyout figure doesn’t represent buyouts for general manager Mike Lombardi or the UNC coaching staff. Lombardi signed a three-year, $4.5 million contract in July.
Related: Bill Belichick buyout options: What UNC football coach’s contract says
UNC cornerbacks coach suspended
WRAL Sports’ reporting led UNC to act and have discussions. It includes the decision to suspend Belichick's cornerbacks coach Armond Hawkins for an allegation of improperly distributing sideline passes for the Oct. 4 game against Clemson.
On Thursday, Carolina Athletics released a statement about Hawkins' suspension.
“North Carolina assistant football coach Armond Hawkins has been suspended for violating NCAA rules related to extra benefits,” the statement reads. “He will remain on leave as the Department of Athletics further investigates other potential actions detrimental to the team and university.”
Sources said Hawkins was not at practice this week and that players were told it was due to quote "personal business."
WRAL Sports reached out to Armond Hawkins on Thursday. He’s not commenting on the suspension.