The North Carolina Tar Heels lost again on Friday, but it wasn't in blowout fashion for once. This time, it was in an absolute heartbreaker to California, as wide receiver Nathan Leacock was inches from scoring a go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter only to have the ball punched out, which the Golden Bears recovered for a touchback.

North Carolina was this close to its first ACC win, but instead, the Tar Heels are now 2-4, and what could have been a turning point for Bill Belichick and Co. ended up being their latest fumble ... literally.

After the game, Tar Heels quarterback Gio Lopez addressed the rumors about UNC potentially parting ways with Belichick, and he appreciated his head coach blocking out the distractions.

“Coach Belichick has been really good for us, keeping us not worried about what’s going on outside, any rumors going on,” Lopez said, via Stewart Mandel of The Athletic. “He doesn’t have to address them, but he addressed some for us, telling us, ‘Hey, were here. We’re good.’”

North Carolina signed Belichick to a five-year, $50 million contract when it hired him back in December, but thanks to the brutal start and all of the noise, there was rampant speculation that the Tar Heels were searching for the escape hatch.

However, that would require a hefty buyout on their part, as the first three years of Belichick's deal (so $30 million) are guaranteed.

But ultimately, both sides have stated that no split will be happening. At least not right now, and that is totally understandable.

Belichick is only in his first season, and while the mistakes are definitely adding up, it's still worth giving the New England Patriots legend a chance ... especially considering the money on the line.

Lopez went 19-for-35 with 167 yards during North Carolina's 21-18 loss to California. In five games overall (he missed one game due to injury), he has thrown for 597 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions while completing 59.8 percent of his passes.

The redshirt sophomore began his collegiate career at South Alabama in 2023 and spent two seasons there before transferring to Chapel Hill.

North Carolina will face No. 18 Virginia next Saturday.