Report: UNC, Belichick discuss buyout options

North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick has discussed buyout options with school officials amid his first season in the college ranks, sources told The Guardian's Ollie Connolly.

Belichick has signaled a willingness to trigger the $1-million buyout clause in his deal if he can find an opportunity with another team or in the media, adds Connolly. The 73-year-old would reportedly consider accepting a reduced buyout if he doesn't find a job elsewhere.

Adding to the turmoil, UNC is also investigating serious recruiting violations during Belichick's tenure and has already confirmed recruiting and practice infractions, according to Connolly. The school could use the reported violations to negotiate a lower buyout.

The Tar Heels have posted a 2-3 record under Belichick's leadership, with the three losses being lopsided. UNC has been outscored 120-33 through five games.

North Carolina and Belichick released a joint statement Wednesday evening.

"I'm fully committed to UNC Football and the program we're building here," Belichick said in the press release.

After leading the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles, North Carolina tapped Belichick to guide it back to prominence. He signed a five-year, $50-million contract in December to join the Tar Heels, replacing Mack Brown, who the program fired following a 6-6 record.

However, Belichick's transition to college hasn't been smooth. Multiple members of North Carolina's coaching staff have described the legendary coach's communication as "weird" and "distant" over the past two weeks, per Connolly. Some staffers have reportedly contacted College Football Playoff contenders about taking on roles during the postseason, with many believing a coaching change will occur within the next two weeks.

The Tar Heels' on-field struggles largely stem from a divided locker room, a disorganized coaching staff, and poor communication on game days, sources told WRAL's Pat Welter.

Among the biggest selling points of Belichick's hiring was his commitment to developing players for the next level. But he banned Patriots scouts from UNC practices in September after he said he no longer felt welcome at his former employer's facilities.

That decision, along with other issues, has apparently left many parents of players frustrated with the team.

North Carolina will play California on Oct. 17 following its bye week.