Mike Lombardi Slams Door Shut On Bill Belichick Narrative

Bill Belichick hasn’t officially sported a North Carolina cutoff hoodie on Chapel Hill’s sidelines yet, prompting speculation about a possible NFL return even though the 72-year-old signed a five-year contract in December.

The NFL offseason saw seven vacant head-coaching positions, a small drop-off from last offseason’s eight openings. Belichick, at that time, had undergone several interviews with the Atlanta Falcons before the franchise elected to roll with Raheem Morris, signaling a desire to remain in pursuit of a sideline gig.

Now, with secured employment following a year-long intermission, Belichick isn’t expected to abandon North Carolina, according to one of Belichick’s ex-Patriots colleagues.

“Bill is recruiting in DC today and Baltimore tomorrow,” North Carolina general manager Mike Lombardi published on X Thursday. “His focus is on North Carolina football, hiring staff members and developing the team. The NFL isn’t a option so please stop making it one. Thank you.”

Lombardi’s message was a direct response to a report from Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, claiming Belichick hasn’t signed a contract with North Carolina, an “uncommon” move, that could allow for him to flee the university. On the one hand, it’d be a dramatic exit after North Carolina welcomed Belichick with open arms, however, according to Jones, the door is open for the longtime football icon to decide.

“Presently, there is not a fully executed and signed contract between Belichick and UNC, sources told CBS Sports — and the school confirmed — this week,” Jones wrote Thursday. “Industry sources say that could create to a legal gray area about how much, if any, of a buyout would exist if Belichick left for the pros.”

Belichick’s $50 million agreement with North Carolina includes a $10 million buyout option if he desires a split-up before June 1. So while improbable, there is a possibility that Belichick chooses to abandon the college gig and return to the NFL in search of his ninth Super Bowl title. Currently, six organizations — the Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints and New York Jets — are actively searching for their next head coach.

The Patriots, Belichick’s last NFL job, removed themselves from the list after hiring Mike Vrabel this past Sunday.

Belichick’s son, Steve, has also followed in his father’s footsteps and joined North Carolina as the team’s new defensive coordinator. The 37-year-old spent last season with the Washington Huskies, filling the same role for the 27th-ranked defense in the nation. Considering the two worked alongside each other in New England, it’s difficult to imagine the elder Belichick leaving his son stranded so abruptly.

North Carolina, following its 6-7 finish this past season, has already seen Belichick undergo recruiting trips and a full coaching staff search.

The only thing that could seal the speculation for good — beyond Belichick’s control — would be all vacant NFL head coaching positions being filled.