Latest news with #UNCfootball
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Bill Belichick's close friend 'deeply concerned' about Jordon Hudson's influence over UNC football
One of Bill Belichick 's closest allies is reportedly 'deeply concerned' about Jordon Hudson's involvement in the UNC football program. Hudson, Belichick's 24-year-old girlfriend who has firmly embedded herself in his professional life, was reportedly banned from UNC's football facilities - as Pablo Torre claimed last month. UNC refuted Torre's report, though said Hudson would 'continue to manage all activities related to Coach Belichick's personal brand' outside of the school. And while Torre has already said that the legendary coach's family was 'digging into' Hudson, his UNC GM and longtime friend Michael Lombardi is also apparently worried about her presence. 'What if I told you that [Belichick's] inner circle of actual coaches on staff, including a certain Mike Lombardi, is deeply concerned about Jordon Hudson and her presence in the building?,' Torre said on the latest episode Bill Simmons Podcast. Lombardi, a longtime football executive and analyst, previously worked under Simmons at The Ringer, and served as an assistant to Belichick's New England coaching staff from 2014-16. Torre wondered aloud whether Simmons may have spoken with him Lombardi recently, but Simmons declined to divulge any information. While Belichick and Hudson's relationship became public last year, the scrutiny around it has reached a fever pitch since she was seen inserting herself into his CBS Sunday Morning Interview. Interviewer Tony Dokoupil described her as a 'constant presence' throughout the session, in which CBS cameras captured her vetoing a question about how she and Belichick met. An email publicized by The Assembly also provided insight into her influence in Belichick's professional life, as the coach had asked for her to be copied on all emails sent to him by UNC staffers. It also emerged via several reports that her desire to be involved in the iconic HBO 'Hard Knocks' series curtailed the cameras' involvement in Belichick's work at the school. All of that led Belichick's family to reportedly grow worried about the ex-Patriots coach's relationship with Hudson, as Torre reported the coach's loved ones were 'digging into' her amid fears she could tear down 'everything he's built,' citing an unnamed source. Belichick, won six Super Bowls in New England as head coach, signed a five-year, $50million contract with UNC. And Daily Mail exclusively reported in April that Hudson had quietly amassed a $9million real estate portfolio. Torre's appearance on Simmons' show came as the Ringer founder and Spotify executive ripped into the former's reporting of the Belichick and Hudson saga. 'I've never seen anybody dine on a stupider story for a week and a half while pretending you're a journalist,' he said on a recent episode of his 'The Rewatchables' podcast. 'What the f*** was that? Seriously.' The die-hard Patriots fan also said: 'Belichick's dating a girl. 'Oh, let me do nine shows about it,'' Simmons, a Boston native, said, mocking Torre. 'Settle the f–k down … You don't need to do a media tour about a f***ing podcast.' Torre responded on social media, challenging Simmons to have a conversation with him - which they ultimately did as they hashed things on on the latter's eponymous podcast. While UNC have maintained that Hudson is not banned from their facilities - a rebuttal to Torre's original reporting which he refuted again - there has been a change to the school's communications staff. The school recently hired former Bears PR Director Brandon Faber amid the negative press it was receiving, and he was seen accompanying Belichick as he left an interview with Good Morning America.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Shock report reveals how Bill Belichick's closest UNC ally feels about his Jordon Hudson relationship
One of Bill Belichick 's closest allies is reportedly 'deeply concerned' about Jordon Hudson's involvement in the UNC football program. Hudson, Belichick's 24-year-old girlfriend who has firmly embedded herself in his professional life, was reportedly banned from UNC's football facilities - as Pablo Torre claimed last month. UNC refuted Torre's report, though said Hudson would 'continue to manage all activities related to Coach Belichick's personal brand' outside of the school. And while Torre has already said that the legendary coach's family was 'digging into' Hudson, his UNC GM and longtime friend Michael Lombardi is also apparently worried about her presence. 'What if I told you that [Belichick's] inner circle of actual coaches on staff, including a certain Mike Lombardi, is deeply concerned about Jordon Hudson and her presence in the building?,' Torre said on the Bill Simmons Podcast. Lombardi, a longtime football executive and analyst, previously worked under Simmons at The Ringer, and Torre wondered aloud whether he may have spoken with him recently. Simmons, however, did not answer that question. While Belichick and Hudson's relationship became public last year, the scrutiny around it has reached a fever pitch since she was seen inserting herself into his CBS Sunday Morning Interview. Interviewer Tony Dokoupil described her as a 'constant presence' throughout the session, in which CBS cameras captured her vetoing a question about how she and Belichick met. An email publicized by The Assembly also provided insight into her influence in Belichick's professional life, as the coach had asked for her to be copied on all emails sent to him by UNC staffers. It also emerged via several reports that her desire to be involved in the iconic HBO 'Hard Knocks' series curtailed the cameras' involvement in Belichick's work at the school. All of that led Belichick's family to reportedly grow worried about the ex-Patriots coach's relationship with Hudson, as Torre reported the coach's loved ones were 'digging into' her amid fears she could tear down 'everything he's built,' citing an unnamed source. Belichick, won six Super Bowls in New England as head coach, signed a five-year, $50million contract with UNC. And Daily Mail exclusively reported in April that Hudson had quietly amassed a $9million real estate portfolio. Torre's appearance on Simmons' show came as the Ringer founder and Spotify executive ripped into the former's reporting of the Belichick and Hudson saga. 'I've never seen anybody dine on a stupider story for a week and a half while pretending you're a journalist,' he said on a recent episode of his 'The Rewatchables' podcast. 'What the f*** was that? Seriously.' The die-hard Patriots fan also said: 'Belichick's dating a girl. 'Oh, let me do nine shows about it,'' Simmons, a Boston native, said, mocking Torre. 'Settle the f–k down … You don't need to do a media tour about a f***ing podcast.' Torre responded on social media, challenging Simmons to have a conversation with him - which they ultimately did as they hashed things on on the latter's eponymous podcast. While UNC have maintained that Hudson is not banned from their facilities - a rebuttal to Torre's original reporting which he refuted again - there has been a change to the school's communications staff. The school recently hired former Bears PR Director Brandon Faber amid the negative press it was receiving, and he was seen accompanying Belichick as he left an interview with Good Morning America.
Fox News
4 days ago
- Business
- Fox News
Bill Belichick's UNC contract buyout dramatically reduced. What does it mean?
When Bill Belichick agreed to become North Carolina's next head football coach in December 2024, many were surprised for a variety of reasons. There was one thing in particular that stood out about his five-year, $50 million contract that called into question Belichick's long-term fit with the program. The buyout on his contract would dramatically decrease on June 1, falling from $10 million to $1 million. As that detail became known, many speculated just how invested Belichick, 73, was in remaining in Chapel Hill for the long haul. However, the curiosity surrounding that date in Belichick's contract gained further attention for a different reason over the past month. Belichick's relationship with his girlfriend, 24-year-old Jordon Hudson, has drawn national headlines, leading some to speculate whether UNC would be willing to cut ties with him at some point this offseason. That said, June 1 has arrived, and Belichick is still employed by the Tar Heels, but could that change soon? Here's everything you need to know about Belichick, UNC and the June 1 buyout date. While some have speculated that North Carolina could move on from Belichick due to the decrease in his buyout, it's actually only applicable if Belichick leaves on his own accord. So, if Belichick left to coach in the NFL, resigned or retired from coaching at any time beyond June 1, he would owe the school $1 million. Prior to Sunday, Belichick would've owed UNC $10 million if he left on his own volition. North Carolina would have to pay Belichick substantially more money if it ended the relationship this summer. The first three years of Belichick's contract are fully guaranteed if he's fired without cause before the end of 2027. If he were to get fired this offseason, Belichick would be owed $30 million as he has a yearly salary of $10 million on his contract. Despite the speculative noise surrounding a potential exit, Belichick and UNC have remained committed to each other, even as the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach has created some awkward headlines over the last month. Hudson seemingly became a household name in the college football world when she interjected when Belichick was asked a question about their relationship during his interview with "CBS Sunday Morning" in April. That interview led some to call into question just how involved Hudson is with not just Belichick's life, but also with UNC's football program. Emails obtained by The Assembly in March showed that Belichick asked UNC staff to copy Hudson on every email sent to him. In the aftermath of the "CBS Sunday Morning" interview, Meadowlark Media's Pablo Torre reported in May that Hudson was barred from UNC's football facility. UNC denied that was the case, though. "While Jordon Hudson is not an employee at the University or Carolina Athletics, she is welcome to the Carolina Football facilities," the school said in a statement on May 9. "Jordon will continue to manage all activities related to Coach Belichick's personal brand outside of his responsibilities for Carolina Football and the University." Later in May, Belichick told ESPN that Hudson "doesn't have anything to do with football," but admitted that he talked to the players about the off-field distraction. UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham didn't have any concerns about Belichick when he spoke with ESPN during the ACC spring meetings. "Bill [has] been great to work with," Cunningham said. "He talked about practicing like a pro and he runs a professional organization that is teaching students how to be professional in all aspects of their life. He is a very determined, professional individual, and that's the way he carries himself and the way he conducts the program." Later in May, Cunningham told Axios that UNC had sold out its season tickets for the 2025 season despite a price hike of 25% — something it didn't do in 2024 — and credited Belichick. Former UNC coach Mack Brown, who Belichick replaced, made headlines in May when he told SiriusXM College Sports Radio's "Dusty and Danny In the Morning," that the school had loosened up its academic requirements and made more investments into the football program ever since Belichick's hiring in December. "As far as North Carolina and Bill Belichick now, he's arguably the best coach ever," Brown said. "They've committed money to it. They've helped him with academics. They've lowered those standards some. So, there's absolutely no reason they shouldn't be successful … and they've changed the roster. I think they've signed maybe 60-something new transfers. "So, you've got a chance to succeed at the highest level, and I expect him to do that, and I'm proud for him." As there were rumors of Belichick asking for an increased name, image and likeness (NIL) budget contingent on his hiring, there was an expectation that it would be upwards of $20 million, CBS Sports reported in December. That seemed to help Belichick in the transfer portal this offseason, helping UNC land the ninth-best class, per 247 Sports. In terms of high school recruiting, Belichick helped UNC land the 36th-best recruiting class in 2025 and the program has the 20th-best recruiting class in 2026 as of Sunday, according to 247 Sports. Considering the success Belichick has had and the improved talent on the roster, it's easy to think that UNC should improve its record from the 6-7 record it posted in 2025. However, its win total is set at 7.5 wins at DraftKings Sports as of Sunday. Additionally, it has the sixth-best odds to win the ACC. Belichick and UNC will open its season against TCU, hosting the Horned Frogs in the final game of Week 1. Belichick's five-year deal with UNC includes a variety of bonuses and perks. Here's a closer look: Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nobody wants to ask Bill Belichick about football. That's a problem.
With conference spring meetings now in the rearview mirror, the University of North Carolina's new head football coach Bill Belichick can get back to the task at hand: preparing his team for the upcoming season. The legendary former New England Patriots coach should be focusing on how he can turn what has been a fairly inconsistent ACC outfit into a nationally dominant squad. But that's not what the media wants to ask him about. Instead of questions about who will start at quarterback or how Belichick is adjusting to life in the NCAA, his relationship with 24-year-old former cheerleader Jordon Hudson has taken center stage. And that's a bit of problem — both for Belichick and for the Tar Heels. When Belichick became a free agent after the conclusion of the 2023 NFL regular season, it seemed like just a matter of time before somebody took a chance on a coach with the second-most wins in the history of the NFL. Belichick interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons twice in his first offseason but nothing came of it. And as the days turned into weeks and the weeks turned into months, the same pundits who thought Belichick would be hired started to wonder why he wasn't being courted for many of those same jobs. Did Belichick want too much control? Was he too old to start somewhere new? Was his success just a product of GOAT quarterback Tom Brady? Then North Carolina announced it had offered Belichick a five-year contract worth $10 million a year (although only three years are guaranteed). And with a new plan in place, Belichick finished up his book on 'The Art of Winning' and prepared to move to North Carolina. That book project, in some ways, has been his undoing. Because books mean book tours. And Belichick's book tour has offered an intriguing look at the role his girlfriend seems to be playing in his new life. To be clear, this relationship is not a secret. And indeed, the relatively private Belichick has opened up about his private life recently — at least on social media. But during a recent CBS 'Sunday Morning' interview about his book, he was asked specifically about how he had met Hudson, whom he calls 'his muse' in 'The Art of Winning.' Hudson, as it so happens, was on the CBS set and shut down the question from the proverbial sidelines. It was an incredibly awkward TV moment that immediately went viral. It also raised eyebrows in the sports media world and set off a new round of gossip about how exactly Hudson is involved in Belichick's professional life. Hudson's email signature lists her as the 'Chief Operating Officer of Belichick Productions,' and she has positioned herself as 'the de facto manager of his personal brand,' according to a Washington Post feature on the couple. Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham denied a report that the UNC athletic department had asked Hudson to keep away from campus football facilities. For his part, Belichick said Tuesday that Hudson 'doesn't have anything to do with UNC football.' We shall see if any of this can calm the storm of speculation. North Carolina plays its first game of the 2025 season against TCU on Sept. 1. We all assume that Belichick will be the head coach for the team when they take the field. He has an opt-out in his contract that states he must pay back the school $10 million if he leaves prior to June 1. If he leaves after June 1, that buyout drops to a mere $1 million. But in any case, that seems unlikely. The summer months in college football tend to be fairly quiet. And everyone — except maybe Belichick's publisher — has many reasons to try to make this narrative go away. Because truthfully, Belichick can hardly afford more distractions. A largely mediocre coach with the Browns prior to teaming up with Brady, Belichick is facing sky-high expectations and a complex college landscape where star athletes expect to get paid — and have no qualms about transferring elsewhere if they don't. Meanwhile, UNC hasn't won a conference championship in four decades. Belichick knows how fickle the sports world is. For better or for worse, you can get away with almost anything if you keep winning. His record, and what he does to revive an inconsistent Tar Heels program, will likely determine how this next chapter impacts a legacy that has already been largely written. No relationship, no matter how headline-grabbing, is bound to change that. Probably. This article was originally published on
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
NFL legend reveals how Bill Belichick can 'shut up' critics of his relationship with Jordon Hudson
Bill Belichick is set to coach his first college football game in just a few months time. But drama off the field has many wondering if he'll ever coach a game at all. Belichick's ongoing saga with girlfriend Jordon Hudson has critics doubting if he'll ever put on a headset for the UNC football team. So with plenty of noise surrounding him, one of Belichick's former players is eagerly looking forward to the coaching legend getting some wins under his belt. Future Hall-of-Famer Rob Gronkowski told People Magazine he believes that success with the Tar Heels may be the only thing to silence the doubters. 'Bill has to produce and I'm going to be tuning in and I want to see him win some games,' Gronkowski, 36, told People on Wednesday. 'Because if he wins some games, he'll shut everyone up. And that would be fun to see, man.' Unfortunately for Belichick, the story of the offseason hasn't been focusing on his preparation for a new endeavor. Rather, the tumbles that Belichick and Hudson have taken are center stage in the minds of journalists and sports fans these past few weeks. With Belichick set to do another national interview with Good Morning America on Friday, there's hope that he can re-focus his attention to the field. Part of that focus could now exist after reports indicate that Hudson is no longer allowed to be at UNC's football practice facility. Belichick has even publicly said that his relationship with Hudson is 'off to the side' and that 'she doesn't have anything to do with UNC football.' The best possible thing that Belichick can do is limit distractions. While there's one huge distraction in front of him, Gronkowski says there's no one better in the industry at getting past them than the 73-year-old. 'That's what he's always done in his career and he's the best football coach out there,' Gronkowski told the outlet. 'He knows the game inside and out better than anyone, so we're just super excited to see what he can do on the field. Now I'm kind of getting sick of all the BS off the field. I want to see how it's going to go down on the field now in the ACC [Atlantic Coast Conference].'
