Tucked onto the 18th page of Bill Belichick’s North Carolina coaching contract resides a most consequential paragraph.
Officially, it’s item 12(b).
Unofficially, this paragraph amounts to North Carolina’s escape hatch.
The paragraph outlines UNC’s financial obligations if it fires Belichick without cause at any point before the end of his five-year contract. Which, seems relevant. The Tar Heels are 2-3 in Belichick's first season, including three blowout losses in games against Power Four opponents.
Belichick earns $10.1 million in annual compensation. His contract, though, includes $0 in financial severance if he's fired in the final two seasons of his term.
