Two high-level sources at the University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill on Thursday refuted a report that the university was looking
into a possible exit strategy for football coach Bill Belichick.

The sources, whom WRAL Sports is not naming, said UNC has
not had any discussions about a possible termination or exit strategy for
Belichick.

It comes after a Wednesday report from TarHeel247 that said
UNC was looking into a possible exit strategy for the coach.

On Wednesday night, UNC Athletics posted statements
on the social media platform X from Belichick and Athletics Director Bubba
Cunningham.

“I’m fully committed to UNC Football and the program we’re building
here,” Belichick said.

“Coach Belichick has the full support of the Department of
Athletics and University,” Cunningham said.

Related: Bill Belichick ‘fully committed’ to UNC amid reports of dysfunction, toxic culture at program

Several UNC players have posted on social media in support of
Belichick.

Sophomore linebacker Khmori House
posted on X, “Block the noise. GoHeels. They can’t break us! Greatness is a
Process.”

Redshirt freshman defensive lineman Leroy Jackson
posted on X, “TRUST THE PROCESS!!!”

Belichick recruited House to UNC, whereas Jackson enrolled at UNC before the head coach’s arrival in Chapel Hill.

Sources told WRAL that Belichick gave preferential treatment to players he recruited compared to the players already on the roster before he arrived in Chapel Hill.

Several UNC
recruits have also affirmed their commitment to the university.

Belichick can terminate his
deal with UNC if he pays the university a buyout of $1 million.

It would have cost Belichick $10 million if he left UNC
before June 1, 2025.

The first three years of Belichick’s five-year, $50
million contract are guaranteed. If UNC decided to fire Belichick without
cause, the university would owe him everything he was set to earn up until Dec.
31, 2027. Since Belichick’s contract shows he makes $10 million annually, his guaranteed
payment is three years for $30 million.

Belichick’s buyout figure doesn’t represent buyouts for
general manager Mike Lombardi or the UNC coaching staff. Lombardi
signed a three-year, $4.5 million contract in July.

UNC is off to a 2-3 start, with blowout losses to TCU, UCF
and Clemson.

WRAL Sports’ reporting led UNC to act and have discussions.
It includes the decision to suspend Belichick’s cornerbacks coach Armond
Hawkins for an allegation of improperly distributing sideline passes for the
Oct. 4 game against Clemson.

Sources said Hawkins was not at practice this week and
that players were told it was due to quote “personal business.” 

WRAL Sports reached out to Armond Hawkins on
Thursday. While he’s not commenting on the suspension, he did acknowledge a new
development involving a player and his use of a racial slur.