The rumor mill has been buzzing about Bill Belichick returning to the NFL, along with the possibility of him teaming up with Tom Brady at the Raiders. But Belichick’s confidant and UNC football GM, Michael Lombardi, wasted no time shutting down the speculation.

Lombardi was asked by Jim Rome if Bill had “coached his last NFL game,” or would he just say, “never say never?” Lombardi’s reaction was as stern as it can get. “I would say he’s coached his last night game. I think there’s no question,” the UNC football GM said. “He came down here. His dad worked here. Look, I can’t speak for everybody, but I know this man well enough to know that he puts his heart and soul into something; he’s going to finish it. And he wants to make North Carolina. We got incredible enthusiasm, and it’s unfortunate that these reports that come out that the Raiders are interested, and they’re really erroneous reports.” However, this wasn’t the first time that Lombardi had turned down the rumors.

Lombardi appeared on The Pat McAfee Show earlier on 9th Jan. And made Belichick’s position clear. “Completely committed. 1,000-percent committed,” he said. He even explained that Belichick has no plans to abandon his college football project. “Look, guys that do the insider stuff for the NFL, they’ve got to put stories out there. That one was a complete falsehood. Coach Belichick, when that story came out, was recruiting in south [New] Jersey,” The 65-year-old said, dismissing insider reports.

The reports even suggested that Tom Brady (a minority owner of the Raiders) reached out to Belichick about a potential reunion. However, Lombardi dismissed the connection, saying, “I think what often happens in rumoring… is people try to make a connection. A to B equals C. Well, that’s not always the case.”

Belichick’s focus on rebuilding UNC football has been unwavering. He’s revamped the program since joining the Tar Heels in December. He has delivered 13 transfers, nine signees, and a restructured staff. Lombardi emphasized their shared commitment to creating a new era for UNC football.

So, where did the rumors come from? Lombardi attributed them to NFL insiders grasping at straws. “People are trying to connect A to B to get to C… but C isn’t true.” But what do these “A,” “B,” and “C” stand for?

Tom Brady’s role in fueling speculation

If “A” is to be Brady and “B” is to be Bill, then “C” would be The Raiders. Brady’s involvement in the Raiders’ coaching search has added fuel to the fire. Reports claimed he contacted Belichick for advice on candidates, leading to speculation about a reunion. However, Lombardi wasn’t having any of that. He quickly shut down the rumors saying, “Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are friends, and they collaborate together, but C isn’t true.”

The UNC GM clarified the context. “Yes, Tom Brady is doing research on head coaching candidates. Yes, Tom Brady is calling people up for advice and counsel.” Speaking along the same lines, he said, “But don’t assume that just because he’s doing that, he wants Bill Belichick.” The timing of these rumors coincided with the Raiders firing head coach Antonio Pierce after a dismal 4-13 season.

Brady reportedly sees Belichick as the type of coach needed to rebuild the franchise. Yet, Lombardi confirms Belichick’s full investment in UNC. Adding humor to the situation, Lombardi shared their daily commutes. “We commute each day together, and we both talk about how messed up the NFL is and how thankful we’re in college football,” he joked.

Belichick’s five-year contract at UNC includes a $10 million buyout clause. Which makes a quick NFL return unlikely. For now, Tar Heel fans can rest assured that their coach is staying put. This clears the air on Bill Belichick’s future. The legendary coach has set his sights on Chapel Hill. And he has perhaps left the NFL chatter behind, at least for now.