Bill Belichick's UNC contract remains unsigned, but GM dismisses idea he'll leave

If an NFL team opts to hire Bill Belichick this offseason, it could potentially do so without owing a dime to North Carolina.

Belichick has yet to officially sign his contract at North Carolina, which could create an issue with his buyout, CBS Sports reported Thursday. UNC general manager Michael Lombardi confirmed that Belichick hasn't officially signed his contract yet. 

"Contracts are very complicated and if you understand the North Carolina system, it's a state institution, it takes a while to get things done," Lombardi told ESPN's "Pat McAfee Show." "There's a lot of hurdles to go through. I haven't signed my contract yet."

The details of Belichick's contract showed that he had a $10 million buyout if he were to leave for another job before June 1. However, the buyout drops to $1 million after June 1, which has led to speculation over whether Belichick will be in Chapel Hill for the long haul.

The months-long period between a coach agreeing to a job and a contract becoming official isn't atypical, CBS Sports noted in its report. For instance, Sherrone Moore's contract with Michigan wasn't finalized until September, which was almost nine months after he was promoted last offseason.

Still, multiple people told CBS Sports that the $10 million buyout would likely be in dispute if Belichick were to leave for the NFL. But Lombardi remained steadfast that Belichick is staying put.

"Bill is recruiting in DC today and Baltimore tomorrow," Lombardi wrote in one social media post on Thursday. "His focus is on North Carolina football, hiring staff members and developing the team. The NFL [isn't an] option so please stop making it one. Thank you."

Lombardi had more to say about Belichick's recruiting in another post. 

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