North Carolina defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, the son of head coach Bill Belichick, signed his two-year, $2.7-million contract with the university earlier this month.

Steve Belichick is the team’s highest-paid assistant coach.

Other WRAL Top Stories

The contract, which he signed on Aug. 2, doesn’t include any promises of making Steve Belichick the next head coach at UNC. The words “head coach” appear just twice in the document.

Belichick, who served as the University of Washington’s defensive coordinator last season, will earn $1.3 million in 2025 and $1.4 million in 2026. He can earn bonuses based on North Carolina’s on-field performance such as bowl appearances and rankings as well as academic progress.

The full contract is guaranteed as UNC must pay out his remaining salary if he is let go subject to mitigation based on his new job.

If Belichick were to decide to leave the program before Jan. 15, he must pay a buyout equal to 100% of his remaining base salary. If he leaves after Jan. 15, 2026, the buyout is 50% of his remaining base salary.

The deal ends Jan. 15, 2027.

UNC committed $10 million for an assistant coach salary pool when Bill Belichick was hired in December.

Bill Belichick (head coach): $1 million (part of $10 million annual salary)

Michael Lombardi (general manager): $1.5 million annually for three years

Freddie Kitchens (offensive coordinator/tight ends): $1,150,000

Will Friend (offensive line): $750,000

Matt Lombardi (quarterbacks): $600,000 in 2025, $700,000 in 2026

Garrick McGee (wide receivers): $525,000 in 2025, $550,000 in 2026.

Natrone Means (running backs): $357,000 in 2025, $375,000 in 2026.

Caleb Pickrell (offensive assistant): $90,000

Steve Belichick (defensive coordinator): $1.3 million in 2025, $1.4 million in 2026

Bob Diaco (defensive line coach): $575,000 in 2025; $600,000 in 2026.