JJ Watt speculates Bill Belichick's $10,000,000 buyout in UNC contract leaves window open for NFL return

Former NFL star JJ Watt joined the ongoing debate by analyzing Bill Belichick's University of North Carolina contract. He suggests the relatively modest buyout clause hints at a potential NFL comeback for the legendary coach.

Belichick, the former Patriots coach signed a five-year, $50 million contract with UNC in December 2024. The 72-year-old boasts six Super Bowl championships as a head coach and ranks second all-time with 333 career wins.

Speaking on the Pat McAfee Show on January 8, 2025, Watt dissected the implications of Belichick's contract structure, particularly its buyout terms.

"The [Bill] Belichick one is fascinating, because you don't build your contract like that if you don't want to at least keep that door open for a reason. I mean, otherwise, why would you have such little buyout?" said JJ Watt.

The contract includes a $10 million buyout clause if Bill Belichick leaves before June 1, 2025. After that date, the buyout would drop to just $1 million - a minimal obstacle for NFL teams seeking his services.

---

NFL teams circle Bill Belichick as Tom Brady makes his move

NCAA Football: North Carolina, Bill Belichick Press Conference - Source: Imagn

The timing of JJ Watt's observation proves significant as multiple NFL teams have already approached Bill Belichick, as per reports. NFL.com's Tom Pelissero reported that Las Vegas Raiders minority owner Tom Brady recently contacted his former coach about a potential reunion.

The Raiders present just one opportunity for Belichick. Six NFL teams have head coaching vacancies: the Jets, Saints, Bears, Jaguars, Patriots, and Raiders. The Cowboys' situation remains uncertain with Mike McCarthy's contract expiring January 14, 2025.

Belichick's contract makes him the sixth-highest-paid coach in college football at $10 million annually, tied with Kalen DeBoer and Mike Norvell. However, this figure pales compared to his NFL earnings, where he reportedly made over $200 million in 29 seasons with the Patriots.

While Belichick builds his college program - even posting about needing recruiting help - his contract's structure keeps the NFL door wide open. The legendary coach sits just 14 wins shy of Don Shula's record of 347 victories in the NFL, a milestone that might prove too tempting to ignore. With multiple NFL teams showing interest and Brady's influence in Las Vegas, Belichick's tenure in Chapel Hill could end before it truly begins.