13 days after Bill Belichick's UNC buyout clause ends, CFB analyst predicts NFL team to lure him from Chapel Hill

Bill Belichick’s future at UNC comes with new speculation. FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt said that the legendary coach may return to the NFL after one season at Chapel Hill. He wrote this less than two weeks after Belichick’s massive buyout clause hit a big reduction from $10 million to $1 million.

Klatt analyzed the pressure point for Belichick’s North Carolina next season.

“So, I think the pressure point date here is Dec. 1, when the Giants take on the New England Patriots right before their bye week," Klatt wrote on Tuesday. "If New York is 2-11 entering that game and loses, do you think Brian Daboll is getting fired right after? I think he could.

"That’s also right when the college football regular season ends. The Giants wouldn’t be able to name their next head coach right after, but Belichick could have an inkling on whether he could become their next head coach around that date.”

Belichick joined the Tar Heels following the 2024 season. He agreed to a five-year contract with a $10 million annual base salary guaranteed for the first three years. The deal also includes a $3.5 million bonus package.

Despite sealing the deal in January, speculations have remained rife that some NFL teams are considering hiring Belichick. However, he remains committed to his job at North Carolina, as evidenced by his efforts on the recruiting trail.

Joel Klatt raises the pressure off Bill Belichick at UNC

According to FOX Sports' Joel Klatt, Bill Belichick is not under a lot of pressure to deliver the goods at North Carolina. However, Tar Heels fans are hoping that the coach makes an immediate impact on the program.

“I don’t think the pressure index is on Belichick," Klatt wrote on Tuesday. "Let’s be honest, Belichick isn’t going to feel a lot of pressure at UNC. If this doesn’t go his way, he’s not going to lose a lot of sleep over this. Rather, the pressure is on the fan base. You can tell that the fan base is invested in this in a way that’s similar to Colorado and Deion Sanders.

"They hired possibly the best coach in NFL history, so maybe they’re just happy he’s in Chapel Hill.”

Belichick has also been making waves at Chapel Hill for reasons unrelated to football. The 72-year-old coach’s relationship with his 24-year-old girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, has been a talking point in the media.