Cunningham addresses June 1 drop in Belichick’s buyout

By R.L. Bynum

BOSTON — Why does Coach Bill Belichick’s Carolina contract buyout drop from $10 million to $1 million on June 1?

Some in the UNC fan base have been curious about that drop and are worried that he’ll jump at the opportunity if an NFL job becomes available.

On the Fenway Park field before the Fenway Bowl Saturday morning, Athletics Director Bubba Cunningham told Tar Heel Tribune, “that’s just how the contract was negotiated.”

He didn’t explain why it was negotiated that way, which probably doesn’t make the fans who are worried any more comfortable.

Belichick, who already had commitments from 10 players out of the transfer portal, wasn’t at Fenway Park for the game. At his introductory press conference, he said that he “didn’t come to leave.”

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Incoming transfers

(Next season’s classes listed)

Senior defensive lineman Melkart Abou-Jaoude • 6–5, 260 pounds • Delaware
2024: 11 games, 10 tackles, 17 assists, 6.5 sacks for 50 yards, 8 QB hits

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Redshirt sophomore quarterback Ryan Browne • 6–4, 210 pounds • Purdue
2024: 8 games, 34 of 76, 532 yards, 4 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 127.5 quarterback rating

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Junior tight end Connor Cox • 6–6, 251 pounds • South Carolina
2024: 4 games, 1 catch, 9 yards, 1 TD

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Sophomore linebacker Khmori House • 6-0, 213 pounds • Washington
2024: 12 games, 19 tackles, 16 assists, 1 interception, 4 pass breakups, 1 QB hit

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Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Aziah Johnson • 6–0, 175 pounds • Michigan State
2024: 12 games, 16 catches, 276 yards, 2 touchdowns; 1 rush, 15 yards

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Fifth-year center Christo Kelly • 6–4, 305 pounds • Holy Cross
2024: Started 12 games, part of line that allowed 1.08 sacks per game, 11th-best in country

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Senior offensive lineman Chad Lindberg • 6–6, 315 pounds • Rice (Georgia before that)
2024: Played 11 games after playing 20 games and 139 snaps for Georgia

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Sophomore offensive tackle Miles McVay • 6–6, 340 pounds • Alabama
2024: 5 games, 94 snaps

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Sophomore defensive tackle C.J. Mims • 6–2, 302 pounds • East Carolina
2024: 12 games, 4 tackles, 19 assists, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble

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Junior place-kicker Adam Samaha • 5–11, 195 pounds • Michigan
2024: didn’t play (Wolverines had Big Ten Kicker of Year Dominic Zvada);
2023: 1 game, 1 extra-point attempt made • Hit 60-yard FG in training (in below video)

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Tar Heels entering, exiting portal

(Next season’s classes listed)
Sophomore 6–3, 300-pound offensive lineman Aidan Banfield
2024: 62.8 Pro Football Focus grade best in country among true freshmen

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Fifth-year 6–5, 310 fifth-year center Austin Blaske
2024: Started 11 games with Pro Football Focus grade of 85.6

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Junior 6–0, 230-pound linebacker Amare Campbell
2024: 12 games, 42 tackles, 30 assists, 11 tackles for losses, 6.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble

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Fifth-year 5–11, 220-pound running back Caleb Hood
2024: 4 games, 7 carries, 3 yards, 1 catch, 29 yards

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Senior 6–1, 190-pound wide receiver Kobe Paysour
2024: 12 games, 19 catches, 330 yards

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In the transfer portal

— Offensive linemen Zach Greenberg, Jakiah Leftwich, Malik McGowan, Andrew Rosinski (committed to Georgia Tech), Howard Sampson and Eli Sutton (Austin Peay)
— Running back Jordan Louie
— Quarterbacks Conner Harrell and Michael Merdinger
— Linebackers Ashton Woods and Caleb LaVallee
— Defensive lineman Travis Shaw
— Defensive back Tyrane Stewart
— Place-kicker Noah Burnette

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Month/ date	Opponent	Time/ score	TV/ record
August
29	at Minnesota	W, 19–17	1–0
September
7	vs. Charlotte	W, 38–20	2–0
14	vs. N.C. Central	W, 45–10	3–0
21	vs. James Madison	L, 70–50	3–1
28	at Duke	L, 21–20	3–2, 0–1 ACC
October
5	vs. No. 18 Pittsburgh	L, 34–24	3–3, 0–2
12	vs. Georgia Tech	L, 41–34	3–4, 0–3
26	at Virginia	W, 41–14	4–4, 1–3
November
2	at Florida State	W, 35–11	5–4, 2–3
16	vs. Wake Forest	W, 31–24	6–4, 3–3
23	at Boston College	L, 41–21	6–5, 3–4
30	vs. N.C. State	L, 35–30	6–6, 3–5
December
28	vs. UConn in Fenway Bowl	L, 27–14	6–7

Photo via @UNCFootball

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