The Bill Belichick era in North Carolina has not been good. After a four-win season in 2025, the 2026 campaign did not start well. General manager Michael Lombardi resigned after being placed on leave in the midst of an investigation. Then, his son, Steve Belichick, was also under investigation while on medical leave. He would later resign from his job. All of this has combined to put Bill Belichick on the hot seat at North Carolina.
Now, it is being reported what would be needed to save his job, per Brendan Marks, Bruce Feldman, and Matt Baker of The Athletic.
“If we can get to six wins,” said one source involved in the search that landed Belichick, “I think everybody will be comfortable moving forward.”
If the team cannot get to six wins, it will put the university in an awkward situation. With a second straight losing season, the group that hired Belichick may have to swallow a $10 million buyout to move on from the coach. Chancellor Lee Roberts, who was central in hiring the coach, has given his support.
Article Continues Below“Coach Belichick continues to have our support,” Roberts recently told reporters after a recent Board of Trustees meeting. “He understands that support comes with expectations around conduct and behavior.”
Meanwhile, some close to the situation believe Belichick would already be gone due to the external issues if his name were not Bill Belichick.
“If it was anyone but Belichick, they’d be gone,” one source said.
The Tar Heels have a tough road ahead to get to six wins. The quest for a winning season continues with a massive test on Saturday, as North Carolina hosts Notre Dame on Saturday.