NFL Rumors: Tom Brady reaches out to break Bill Belichick out of $50,000,000 deal

Could Bill Belichick abandon the University of North Carolina head coaching job after his former quarterback Tom Brady reached out with interest in him becoming the Las Vegas Raiders' next head coach? Possibly.

After parting ways with the New England Patriots after the conclusion of the 2023-2024 season, Belichick spent this past football season away from coaching, with the intention of coaching again in 2025. On Dec. 11, 2024, Belichick agreed to become UNC's next football coach, agreeing to a five-year deal worth up to $50 million with the first three years fully guaranteed.

Despite signing the contract and being unveiled as UNC's next head coach to much fanfare, that hasn't stopped multiple teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders from reportedly reaching out to see if he still wants to coach in the NFL. Per NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, Tom Brady, who owns 5% of the Raiders, recently spoke to his former coach about possibly coaching in Las Vegas.

Pelissero tweeted:

"Multiple NFL teams have inquired about whether legendary coach Bill Belichick would reconsider his move to college football – including the Raiders, whose new minority owner Tom Brady spoke recently with his old coach, per league sources."

College Sports insider Nicole Auerbach tweeted details everyone wanted to know after hearing the rumor. How can Belichick possibly abandon his job at UNC if he signed a contract? Well, Belichick would owe UNC $10 million if he left before June 1. If he's hired by a team after June 1, he would only owe the University $1 million.

Which coaches have been linked with Tom Brady's Las Vegas Raiders' head coaching vacancy?

Ben Johnson during Buffalo Bills v Detroit Lions - Source: Getty

The Las Vegas Raiders fired former head coach Antonio Pierce yesterday. 24 hours later, Bill Belichick has been linked to their head coaching vacancy. Of course, as of right now, it seems like a long shot that Belichick will be their next head coach, but it isn't completely off the table.

While Belichick could be a priority for Las Vegas, especially with Tom Brady in ownership, they'll have to conduct interviews and look for other coaches if he is not available.

The Raiders this morning have requested interviews for both of the Detroit Lions; offensive and defensive coordinators, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn.

Former Super Bowl-winning coach Pete Carroll, formerly of the Seattle Seahawks, has also been linked to the Raiders. Raiders insider Vincent Bonsignore tweeted yesterday that Carroll is a name to keep in mind for the vacancy. Mike Vrabel and Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen are also expected to draw interest from the Raiders.