Bill Belichick: The name alone carries weight in the football world. But now, rumors about his next move have people talking. Is he really sticking with UNC, or is this just another chapter in the Belichick saga? The drama is always there with Bill, whether he’s on the NFL sidelines or plotting a new chapter in college football. And just when you think you’ve got him figured out, the story takes another unexpected turn.

Belichick’s future continues to stir the pot, with rumors swirling about a possible NFL comeback. However, UNC Football GM Michael Lombardi threw cold water on the speculation, confirming via X: “Bill is recruiting in DC today and Baltimore tomorrow. His focus is on North Carolina football… The NFL isn’t a option, so please stop making it one.” Belichick’s commitment to rebuilding UNC’s program appears unwavering—for now.

Bill is recruiting in DC today and Baltimore tomorrow. His focus is on North Carolina football, hiring staff members and developing the team. The NFL isnt a option so please stop making it one. Thank you. https://t.co/Z5sRAcYOCB

In a wild twist (shoutout to CBS’ Jonathan Jones), Belichick’s out here running the UNC show, recruiting and coaching, without signing a contract. Like, how’s that even a thing? And the so-called $10M buyout? It’s basically a bluff—shrinking to $1M by June 1, 2025. Especially when NFL teams like the Cowboys are looking for a new head coach. Could he be keeping his options open for a potential return to the pros?

Lombardi is all about assuring fans that Belichick is in it for the long haul with UNC, but come on, no signed contract? With Belichick’s history, it’s hard not to wonder if his time in college football might be just a pit stop before he jumps back into the NFL. Fans can stay hopeful, but this situation? It’s definitely still up in the air. The Cowboys had their eyes on Belichick as a potential replacement for Mike McCarthy. But the legendary coach wasted no time deciding on that job.

Bill Belichick shifts focus to UNC amid Cowboys speculation

So, after McCarthy got the boot, Jerry Jones thought he might be able to lasso in Belichick for the Cowboys. But nah, Bill wasn’t having any of it. He straight-up shut down the rumors with a quick “I’m good.” In fact, Bill made it clear that his focus is all on UNC. He told the world, “I’m building something here, and that’s where my energy is.” No room for the Cowboys in his plans, at least for now.

Jones had been backing McCarthy through thick and thin, but after that rough 7-10 season, even he had to admit, “It would be better for each of [me and Mike McCarthy] to head in a different direction.” A far cry from his previous praise, calling McCarthy “the best coach there is.” Now, with McCarthy out, the Cowboys are back to square one. At first, people thought Deion Sanders might step in, but now Belichick’s name keeps popping up.

McCarthy’s fate bounced around all season, but once he was out, the speculation took off. Sanders shut down the idea, saying he’d only consider coaching in the NFL if it’s for his sons. But for now, Belichick’s name keeps getting linked to the Cowboys. Although he left the NFL for college football just last year, rumors suggest he isn’t totally done with the pros. Diana Russini from The Athletic even reported that Bill wants back on the NFL sidelines. Some sources close to him said, “Coaching is in his blood. He wants this.”

But when Belichick was asked about the Cowboys job, he was all about UNC. He said, “I’m focused on Carolina and Tar Heels and making the ’25 team there in Carolina as good as we can make it and build the program to a high level, and you know to compete in the ACC. So I can’t worry about what everybody else is or isn’t doing.” Like, straight-up, ‘I’m here for UNC.’

He said it in his UNC intro presser too: “I didn’t come here to leave.” And it’s clear he’s sticking to that. Bill’s been all in on rebuilding UNC’s program, hitting the ground running with recruitment and team-building. So yeah, for now, it looks like the Cowboys will have to keep looking for their next head coach, and Bill’s staying in Chapel Hill. At least for now.