Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick continues to face criticism from analysts around the country, with many bringing up his relationship with girlfriend Jordon Hudson and questioning whether it could become a distraction as he begins his new role at the University of North Carolina.
Appearing on ESPN’s “First Take” on Friday, college football analyst Paul Finebaum was giving a preview of the Atlantic Coast Conference and the University of North Carolina, the team Belichick now coaches. Finebaum made a joke about the attention that the relationship between Belichick and Hudson has received.
“With Bill Belichick, has anybody heard of this guy?” Finebaum joked. “He’s only the most famous NFL coach of all time this side of Vince Lombardi. But lately, he’s played second fiddle to his girlfriend. I can’t believe I’m actually saying that, but I am. That’s a story that’s really intriguing everyone. How does he do on the field? Mac Brown did not leave a great cupboard in Chapel Hill, and I think Belichick has recruited well. Can he navigate the nuances of college football? That is really the question.”
The attention Finebaum referenced stems from Hudson’s recent media appearances, particularly during Belichick’s interview with “CBS News Sunday Morning,” where Hudson interrupted when questions turned to the couple’s relationship. The incident has raised concerns about Hudson’s involvement in football affairs, but Belichick has been steadfast that Hudson only deals with personal opportunities such as his book tour and related media appearances.
“Jordon and I have both a personal & professional relationship,” Belichick wrote in one of the emails Raleigh, North Carolina television station WRAL obtained. “This is not a secret. Jordon assists me with my personal media, which is why I asked UNC to forward media requests (e.g., CBS ’60 Minutes’) to her. Jordon has zero involvement in the UNC football program, beyond the degree that my personal media intersects with it.”
While the relationship controversy continues to generate headlines, ESPN analyst Kevin Clark believes Belichick faces more pressing challenges on the field. Clark, who also appeared on “First Take” Friday, questioned whether Belichick can turn things around quickly at UNC, comparing the situation to his first NFL head coaching job.
“I think that UNC roster is not very good going into this season, so I’m intrigued to see if Belichick can scheme up some stuff here, bridge the talent gap with some of these teams that are more talented,” Clark said. “I think it might be one of the least successful teams Bill Belichick has had in a long time, maybe since Cleveland (Browns). Frankly, obviously had a bad end in New England there, but I think this UNC team might be even worse than that.”
Belichick was hired by UNC in December to turn around a program that has not won an ACC title since 1980. The Tar Heels finished with a 6-6 record last season and lost to Connecticut in the Fenway Bowl, giving Belichick both on-field and off-field distractions to navigate as he begins his college coaching career.
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Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com.
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