By Jordan Sigler
Copyright newsweek
The start of head coach Bill Belichick‘s tenure at North Carolina is quickly turning into a disaster. The Tar Heels are a disappointing 2-3 before they travel to play 4-2 California on Friday night.
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On Tuesday, UNC suspended secondary coach Armond Hawkins for allegedly providing extra benefits to players’ Families via sideline passes. Hawkins’ suspension came after a report by Pat Welter of WRAL, documenting issues with the program, including players allegedly selling tickets impermissibly.
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 4: Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on prior to the game against the Clemson Tigers at Kenan Memorial Stadium on October 4, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
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Per Welter, North Carolina sent out a message to players on Tuesday reminding players not to sell or exchange complimentary tickets for any item of value.
“This is a friendly reminder that you are NOT to sell or exchange your complimentary tickets for any item of value,” the statement reads. “You may give the tickets to anyone you choose without receiving anything in return. Although some NCAA rules have recently changed, this rule has not. Selling your tickets or receiving an extra benefit still impacts your eligibility to compete in intercollegiate athletics.”
Yesterday we reported that #UNC players were selling their spare game tickets. Today I obtained a copy of a message sent out to players reminding them not to sell their tickets and that it is a violation that could affect eligibility. @WRAL pic.twitter.com/jZbwrV70zg— Pat Welter WRAL (@PatrickWelter) October 7, 2025
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk believes that the current situation in Chapel Hill is escalating to a degree that could provide the Tar Heels with grounds to fire Belichick for cause, potentially nullifying the buyout.
“The situation raises the specter of institutional control, or lack thereof, on coach Bill Belichick’s watch,” Florio wrote. “Which could give North Carolina an opening to build a case for termination of the balance of his contract for cause. Which would short-circuit his buyout.”
Belichick is reportedly under pressure to show progress for the remainder of the season to avoid a potential firing. With UNC becoming the butt of jokes in college football, the administration could soon be looking for a way out of an embarrassing situation.
Belichick went 302-165 and won six Super Bowls as a head coach in the NFL. This is the first season Belichick has ever coached a college program at any level. The 73-year-old coach appears to be in over his head at North Carolina and has much to prove if he wants to turn around the program.
For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.