UNC finally releases Steve Belichick’s football contract. Here’s what’s included
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Steve Belichick signed a two-year UNC contract with $1.3M base salary rising to $1.4M
- Contract excludes head coach succession clause; Cunningham retains full oversight
- Buyout terms vary by date; bonuses tied to bowl games, rankings and academics
Nearly six months after the UNC athletic department drafted a two-year contract for defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, the former Washington defensive play-caller has signed it, and the details are publicly available.
Belichick will receive a base salary of $1.3 million, with an increase to $1.4 million by Jan. 16, 2026, making him the highest-paid assistant coach on the Tar Heels’ staff. Bonuses are available based on bowl game appearances, top-25 rankings and academic progress. The contract runs through Jan. 15, 2027.
The announcement of UNC’s hire of Bill Belichick sparked rumors that his contract negotiations included a desire to have his son, Steve, as a “head coach in waiting,” but athletic director Bubba Cunningham denied those rumors earlier this summer. Steve Belichick’s contract does not include a clause related to becoming the next UNC head coach.
If he terminates his contract on or before Jan. 15, 2026, Steve Belichick’s buyout is equal to the total amount of his remaining base salary. After Jan. 15, his buyout decreases to 50 percent of the remaining base salary.
Similar to the language of contracts for other assistant coaches on the UNC football staff, Belichick will report directly to Cunningham — not his father. Cunningham will have “independent and ultimate” authority related to performance management and evaluation, compensation, promotion and disciplinary matters.
According to the university’s nepotism policy, employees can not “occupy a position of influence or authority” over employment decisions for another employee they are related to or participate in evaluation or supervision of their relative.
Steve Belichick’s contract was signed on Aug. 2.
This story was originally published August 15, 2025 at 8:13 PM.