Legendary coach Bill Belichick's hiring at University of North Carolina 'illegal', lawsuit alleges
Legendary coach Bill Belichick was illegally hired by the University of North Carolina behind closed doors, which is against rules, a new lawsuit alleges.
An ex-employee at the university, former UNC administrator Chris Clemens and lawyer David McKenzie filed the lawsuit and accused the institution of a "pattern and practice" to conceal "matters of grave public concern behind closed doors."
The former Patriots coach's hiring by the university was signed off in an "emergency meeting" which was also a closed session, the legal action claims.
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Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels and girlfriend Jordon Hudson look on prior to a game against the UCF Knights at FBC Mortgage Stadium on September 20, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) Getty
"Each episode follows the same pattern," the complaint reads, "the Board invokes a statutory exemption, enters closed session, then discusses broad policy or budget matters that must be debated publicly.
"The Board compounds these violations by maintaining inadequate general accounts that prevent public understanding of what transpired."
It's understood at the time of Belichick's hiring, there were claims that the decision was largely made by the board, and even the school's athletic director was not totally in favour of it.
Belichick's NFL career featured a 24-year run leading the New England Patriots, producing six world titles alongside star quarterback Tom Brady. When Belichick and the Patriots split in January 2024, he held 333 regular-season and playoff wins, trailing only Don Shula (347) for the NFL record.
Belichick, left, talks with quarterback Tom Brady in 2002. AP
Belichick was later linked to NFL jobs but nothing materialised. That eventually led to the unlikely pairing with UNC. At the time, Belichick said he "always wanted" to try college coaching and cited his late father Steve's connection as a Tar Heels assistant in the 1950s.
UNC gave Belichick a five-year deal, the first three guaranteed at $US10 million ($AUD15 million) in base and supplemental pay, to spark a program that last won an ACC title in 1980.
Belichick's team is 2-2 so far this season.
