The formal contract, signed by Belichick on Wednesday and approved by the school, outlines a slew of bonuses and perks for the 72-year-old first-time college coach.

Bill Belichick and school officials have signed his official employment contract, formalizing the hiring after speculation that the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach might opt instead for a return to the NFL.

Among the challenges of rebuilding North Carolina's roster, Belichick faces arguably the tallest task of adjusting to the recruiting trail rather than relying on the NFL draft. In an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Friday, Belichick was asked about his recruiting pitch to recruits as he pieces together his first class with the Tar Heels.

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Belichick, 72, was hired as Hall of Fame coach Mack Brown's replacement after the Tar Heels finished the season at 6-7 with a bowl loss to UConn. Brown, the winningest coach in program history, led UNC to six straight bowl appearances in six seasons.

One day, the North Carolina Tar Heels will make the College Football Playoff. I am not saying soon, but time is on their side for it to eventually happen. In th

Bill Belichick will make his college football coaching debut on Monday, September 1 when the North Carolina Tar Heels take on the TCU Horned Frogs. Kickoff for the game is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. The Patriots legend will be entering his first season in Chapel Hill.