3 hours ago
1
Take this, skeptics!
Bill Belichick’s girlfriend sent a pointed message to doubters on Thursday as speculation continues to swirl about the legendary coach’s commitment to North Carolina, where he was announced as the Tar Heels’ new football coach in December.
Captioning a loved-up Instagram photo of the couple, “Pictured: two people who are overtly committed to @uncfootball,” 24-year-old Jordon Hudson can be seen holding a football while smiling at Belichick, 72, who is coaching in the college ranks for the first time in his storied career.
“The First Lady of Chapel Hill,” one Instagram user commented.
“Welcome to NC!” another account exclaimed.
Belichick was formally introduced as the Tar Heels coach last month at a press conference in Chapel Hill and made it clear he isn’t going anywhere.
Given the NFL landscape has dramatically changed since those remarks — there are now six coaching openings — whispers have grown louder as to whether Belichick would contemplate shifting back to the pros.
Hudson’s post on Thursday follows a recent report that Belichick has not yet signed his UNC contract, which contains a $10 million buyout should he leave before June 1.
Longtime Belichick confidant Michael Lombardi, who is now UNC’s general manager, also posted Thursday “the NFL isn’t a [sic] option.”
“Bill is recruiting in DC today and Baltimore tomorrow,” Lombardi wrote on X in response to a CBS report over the unsigned contract.
“His focus is on North Carolina football, hiring staff members and developing the team. The NFL isnt a option so please stop making it one. Thank you.”
Prior to landing at UNC, Belichick spent the 2024 season away from the field as he focused on sports media opportunities.
He coached the Patriots for 24 seasons and won six Super Bowls.
Belichick and the Patriots parted ways in January 2024.
His relationship with Hudson, a former college cheerleader, became public last summer.
English (US)