Bill Belichick, one of the greatest head coaches of all time, surprised many when he took the head coaching job in North Carolina. And now, thanks to a “Mic’d Up” video, we’re getting our first glimpse of the legendary coach working the college level. From the looks—and sound — of it, Belichick already has his UNC-Chapel Hill squad fired up for spring football.
In a video posted by the Carolina Football X account, Belichick is seen enthusiastically coaching both sides of the ball. He says to the offense, “That’s how you move the ball; you got to hit some of those plays.”
The six-time Super Bowl champ then turns to the defense: “Notice it’s a lot quieter over there on defense,” he quips. “That’s how we shut them up. You shut them up by making some positive plays.” One year removed from coaching, Belichick looks like he hasn’t missed a beat.
Bill Belichick Culture in North Carolina
Since signing with the Tar Heels, Belichick has brought a completely new energy to the North Carolina football program. He brings decades of NFL success, his deep playbook, and, of course, “The Patriot Way” — his trademark brand of discipline and focus. The question now is: How will that approach translate to Chapel Hill?
.@Belichick_B 🎙️🎙️🎙️ pic.twitter.com/OquvgHpC5B
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) April 9, 2025
Since joining the ACC in 1953, the Tar Heels have captured five conference titles, with the most recent coming in 1980, but the program has never appeared in a national championship game.
Belichick has a $10 million buyout clause in his contract before June 1, 2025. But based on early glimpses from spring ball, he’s fully committed—and showing the same edge that defined his NFL tenure. When UNC kicks off its 2025 season, watching Belichick on the sidelines in college gear might feel surreal, but the passion is clearly still there.
Belichick’s Epic Tar Heels Contract
Belichick’s deal with UNC is a five-year contract worth roughly $10 million per season. Only the first three years are guaranteed.
He’s now one of eight college coaches earning at least $10 million per year, joining Kirby Smart (Georgia), Dabo Swinney (Clemson), Steve Sarkisian (Texas), Lincoln Riley (USC), Ryan Day (Ohio State), Mike Norvell (Florida State), and Kalen DeBoer (Alabama).
The contract also includes performance incentives — both during the regular season and in the postseason. The biggest payouts come from how the team finishes. Belichick will earn $200,000 for reaching the ACC Championship Game and another $300,000 if the Tar Heels win it. He can make up to $1.75 million in bonuses if North Carolina wins the College Football Playoff National Championship.