The University of North Carolina tried to quiet all the noise surrounding Bill Belichick’s future with the football program, but whether fans buy it will be another story.
Belichick and UNC Athletics Director Bubba Cunningham both released statements late Wednesday night after the latest round of negative headlines surfaced earlier in the day, stating that “potential exit strategy discussions” had taken place regarding the football coach.
“Coach Belichick has the full support of the Department of Athletics and University,” Cunningham said in the brief statement.
In a one-sentence statement of his own, Belichick reaffirmed his commitment to the school.
“I’m fully committed to UNC Football and the program we’re building there,” the 73-year-old said.
Along with the follies on the football field, Belichick’s relationship with 24-year-old Jordon Hudson has caused a constant stir around the program as she frequently appears on the sidelines before games.
While the Tar Heels are on a bye week, the week has been an eventful one with headlines over dysfunction and questions about the culture inside the football program becoming one of the biggest storylines in college football.
WRAL had first published a lengthy report earlier in the week that detailed claims of chaos and a fractured locker room at Chapel Hill. It also led to the reported suspension of cornerbacks coach Armond Hawkins over benefits allegations that surfaced in the story.
Wednesday brought a fresh set of headlines when 247Sports.com broke the news that there had been “potential exit strategy discussions” at UNC regarding Belichick’s future there.
College football journalist Ollie Connolly added in his own report that Belichick “has discussed buyout options with North Carolina’s hierarchy” and that he “has signaled a willingness to trigger his own $1 million buyout if he can find a soft landing with another team or in media.”
“Some staffers believe a change will come within two weeks,” he added.
UNC football under Belichick has just two wins through the first five weeks of the season, while racking up losses to TCU, UCF and Clemson.
They’ve been outscored 120-33 combined in the losses this season.
