Bill Belichick's UNC Contract Remains Unsigned amid NFL Buyout Rumors

Despite recently agreeing to become UNC's next head coach, Bill Belichick has not been able to escape rumors that he could still return to the NFL, and a new development could fuel further speculation.

Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported that "there is no fully executed and signed contract between Belichick and UNC." Jones added that if Belichick chose to go back to the NFL, industry sources said the lack of a signed contract "could lead to a legal gray area about how much, if any, of a buyout there would be."

Michael Lombardi, UNC football's general manager, said in a post on social media that Belichick isn't interested in returning to the NFL:

Jones noted that industry sources "agree it is not atypical at the collegiate level for coaches to begin working without a fully executed contract." A UNC spokesperson even told him that the school has "had coaches coach here for a year before they had an actual contract."

An agent who works with coaches in the pros and college also confirmed to Jones, "It's not unusual to sign [a term sheet] and then have the full contract take a while." A second agent added, "Schools drag their feet like crazy, and I don't know why."

While all signs point to Belichick moving forward with the Tar Heels, many couldn't help but wonder about the possibility of him returning to the NFL. After the Dallas Cowboys chose to part ways with head coach Mike McCarthy earlier this week, Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reported that Belichick "would have been interested in the Cowboys' job." Schultz added that Belichick has "an excellent relationship with the Jones family."

Still, it makes sense that Lombardi would want to quell the noise, as Belichick's first attempt at coaching in college would take a significant hit if there's uncertainty over his status at UNC. The 72-year-old will have to convince top recruits that he's committed to the Tar Heels if he hopes to achieve the same level of success he experienced in the NFL.