Bill Belichick and the UNC Tar Hells have not gotten off to a good start this season. Through five games they sit 2-3 and are currently in 15th place in their conference. Unfortunately, it looks like things are only getting worse for the legendary NFL head coach.
UNC and Bill Belichick face massive suspension after violating NCAA rules (breaking news)
Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick with Richmond Spiders head coach Russ Huesman before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
According to Bruce Feldman of The Athletic, North Carolina cornerbacks coach Armond Hawkins was suspended for alleged violations of NCAA rules regarding extra benefits:
The alleged violation involved providing a player’s family members with sideline passes for a game, per Feldman.
The suspension is also related to a prior report surrounding the discontent mounting with head coach Bill Belichick’s program from Pat Welter of WRAL News.
Welter also reported that Tar Heels cornerback Thaddeus Dixon’s family has field access on game days and was something that “no other family is believed to have.”
Dixon played at Washington in 2024 before transferring to North Carolina on Jan. 18. Belichick’s son, Steve, served as Washington’s defensive coordinator last season before assuming the same role with the Tar Heels in 2025.
Sep 1, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick on the sidelines in the first quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Per Welter, there have been “multiple examples” of preferential treatment for transfers recruited by Bill including superior parking for themselves and family members as well as extra tickets for games.
Before Hawkins joined North Carolina, he served as an assistant recruiting coordinator at Colorado and an assistant director of recruiting at Arizona before working with Steve as a defensive analyst at Washington in 2024.
The Tar Heels have struggled to open the 2025 season, sitting at 2-3 with a record of 0-1 against ACC opponents. They currently own the worst scoring offense in the conference, averaging a mere 18.8 points per game.
North Carolina has suffered back-to-back blowout losses to Clemson and UCF over its past two games, getting outscored 72-19 in both contests combined.
Feb 6, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson on the red carpet before Super Bowl LIX NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Sep 20, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick walks the sideline during the first quarter against the UCF Knights at the Bounce House Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
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