Bill Belichick 'Exit Strategy' Reportedly Discussed by UNC amid Struggles

North Carolina is reportedly preparing for a possible divorce from Bill Belichick, just five games into the head coach's tenure.

According to Andrew Jones of 247Sports (h/t Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio), the school held "potential exit strategy discussions" on Wednesday and has had "preliminary conversations" about the possibility of moving on from the head coach, prioritizing a way to limit how much it pays in a buyout, if not avoiding it altogether.

While UNC is struggling on the field, there were also reports this week that cornerbacks coach Armond Hawkins was suspended for violating NCAA rules by providing sideline passes to a player's family. But Jones also noted that "there are many other violations that have occurred, many on the recruiting front," which could be factoring into North Carolina already considering an exit strategy.

North Carolina has a bye this week before a Friday, Oct. 17 matchup against Cal, and Jones opined: "I don't think it's a lock that Belichick coaches the Cal game."

North Carolina's 2-3 start—which has seen them outscored 120-33 in their three Power 4 matchups—has been disappointing enough in Chapel Hill. But there appears to be real dysfunction behind the scenes as well.

Earlier this week, Pat Welter of WRAL reported that "multiple sources with knowledge of the inner workings of Belichick's program say the results on the field are a product of a divided locker room, a disorganized coaching staff and a failure to communicate."

Welter cited examples of preferential treatment for players who were added via the transfer portal compared to returning players; nepotism in coaching hires; and parents bemoaning the lack of communication and culture-setting from the top down.

Add in the unclear role of his girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, within the football program—a major storyline during the offseason—and the Belichick era has gotten off to a very rocky start. At this point, it may prove to be a short-lived one.