By R.L. Bynum

North Carolina defensive coordinator Steve Belichick’s two-year, $2.7 million contract makes him the football program’s highest-paid assistant coach but does not appear to have any provision for him to succeed Coach Bill Belichick, should his father leave the program.

Steve Belichick signed the deal on August 2, which will earn him $1.3 million this season and $1.4 million in 2026, with the opportunity to earn bonuses for earning bowl bids, winning a national title, being ranked and the team’s Academic Progress Rate.

The contract is fully guaranteed, meaning UNC must pay his remaining salary if he is dismissed, subject to mitigation, if he takes another job. If Belichick leaves before Jan. 15 of any year, he must pay a buyout equal to 100% of his remaining base salary; after Jan. 15, 2026, the buyout drops to 50%.

The UNC contract for Belichick, Washington’s defensive coordinator last season, runs through Jan. 15, 2027. His signing bonus was $10,000, and he is eligible for a courtesy car with a vehicle allowance of up to $7,500. He was eligible for a relocation compensation of up to $15,000

The appointment letter is dated March 26. Read his entire contract below.

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