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2w ago

Belichick Denies Exit Talk, Defends Process as UNC Skids and TV Interest Fades Before Cal Trip

North Carolina visits Cal on Friday after public denials of buyout talk.

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Sep 20, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick walks into the field before the game against the UCF Knights at the Bounce House Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Overview

  • UNC is 2-3 with three losses by a combined 87 points, including a 38-10 defeat to Clemson on Oct. 4, and ranks last in the ACC in scoring and passing.
  • Bill Belichick called reports that he is seeking a buyout "categorically false" and said he is focused on building the program and culture.
  • Local reporting has detailed internal strife and alleged impermissible benefits; UNC suspended cornerbacks coach Armond Hawkins in connection with NCAA rules violations.
  • After a 6.6 million-viewer debut, ratings have slid, and ESPN passed on Virginia–UNC for Oct. 25, moving it to ACC Network’s noon slot; Belichick says a planned docuseries is still "a work in progress" after reports Hulu stepped away.
  • Quarterback Gio Lopez’s status was uncertain early in the week, and UNC plays at Cal on Friday at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, with sportsbooks making Cal roughly a 10-point favorite.