Amid a terrible start to Bill Belichick's tenure in North CarolinaThe university responded to speculation about the coach's future with the football program with a pair of statements Wednesday night. After reports swirled throughout the day about his job status in Chapel Hill, Belichick said he was “totally committed to UNC Football and the program we're building here.”
Additionally, North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham said Belichick “has the full support of the athletics department and the university.”
North Carolina made a splash by hiring 73-year-old Belichick. NFL legend with six Super Bowl rings as coach of the New England Patriots. But that success didn't carry over through five games with the Tar Heels, as a poor start on the field and negative off-field press led to questions about how long Belichick would last in the job.
On the heels of the beating Clemson dropping the Tar Heels to 2-3 over the weekend, multiple reports emerged Wednesday that North Carolina has held internal discussions about Belichick's potential exit strategy, including negotiations to lower his buyout. Statements made Wednesday evening refuted those claims.
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Belichick's tenure at UNC marred by poor play and controversy
The Belichick era began with a home defeat at the hands of TCU. Since then, things have gotten even worse. The Tar Heels were able to pick up a pair of wins over Charlotte And Richmondbut they were stifled by competition due to the fourth estate. In the losses of the TCU, UKF and Clemson, the Tar Heels lost 120-33.
In addition to its disappointing on-field record, North Carolina has faced plenty of off-field controversies in Belichick's short time at the helm of the program, including the circumstances surrounding Belichick's hiring and Belichick's highly publicized relationship with 24-year-old girlfriend Jordon Hudson. It is reported that in recent days the team defensive backs coach Armond Hawkins suspended for providing unacceptable advantages to players and produced a behind-the-scenes documentary it was supposed to air on Hulu.
There was also controversy on Monday when reports emerged that Belichick Bans North Carolina Social Media Employees from publishing anything related to the Patriots, which initially led to the lack of fanfare surrounding former Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye's dramatic victory over the previously undefeated Buffalo Bills on “Sunday Night Football.”
The Tar Heels are currently in a bye before resuming play on the road against Cal on Oct. 17.
