Belichick denies buyout rumors, Tar Heels back him amid turmoil

Bill Belichick said Monday that reports he has discussed a buyout or is seeking to leave North Carolina are false, as the university and athletic department reiterated their support for the coach amid a mounting offfield controversy and a poor start to the season. The 73 year old made the comments at a press conference in Chapel Hill following a week of reporting about internal turmoil and personnel moves five games into his first season as Tar Heels head coach.

Belichick said, "That's just categorically false. There's no truth to that. I'm glad I'm here." North Carolina athletic officials also released statements affirming that the coach has the department's backing, and university leaders attended the media session. The news conference came as the Tar Heels sit 2–3 overall, having suffered three lopsided losses to higher‑level opponents this season that left the team outscored 120 to 33 in those games.

The program has been roiled by multiple reports of internal dysfunction. Parents and unnamed team sources described a fractured locker room and inconsistent communication from the coaching staff, and the school suspended cornerbacks coach Armond Hawkins pending an investigation...