2 hours ago
3
Bill Belichick’s UNC coaching debut was marred by a 48-14 loss to TCU back in September — but a massive balloon arch served as a distraction from the lopsided outcome in his postgame press conference.
At the time, many assumed the massive display, which included an arch of blue, black and white balloons with silver stars, was the work of Belichick’s 24-year-old girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, whose hands-on role in his career outside of football made headlines in his first year at Chapel Hill.
The total budget for UNC’s football balloons in the 2024-25 season was $48,733, according to FOIAball.com.
The aforementioned 25-foot garland with the starburst add-ons reportedly runs $27 a foot from one of UNC’s preferred balloon vendors, as well as a 20 percent installation and delivery fee, bringing the total cost of about $800.
FOIAball.com included a spreadsheet that reported 2024 balloon spending for other schools, revealing that Texas has a $170,489 budget for balloons across all athletics.
Although it’s unclear, many were convinced Hudson was behind the balloon decor.
The former cheerleader at Bridgerwater State University, whose romance with Belichick was first revealed in 2024, watched the season-opener from a suite at Kenan Memorial Stadium, where she was seen beside NFL legend Randy Moss.
Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson attend Michael Rubin’s 2025 Fanatics Super Bowl Party at The Sugar Mill on February 8, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Getty Images for Fanatics“We played competitively but then just couldn’t sustain it,” Belichick, 73, said after the game. “Obviously, we have a lot of work to do. We need to do a better job all the way around — coaching, playing, all three phases of the game.”
UNC finished at a disappointing 4-8 mark and missed a bowl game for the first time since 2018.
On Friday, the Tar Heels’ football coach fired offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens and special teams coordinator Mike Priefer.
Jordon Hudson, girlfriend of Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels, chats with Chapel Hill Police during warmups prior to their game against the Duke Blue Devils at Kenan Memorial Stadium on November 22, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Getty ImagesBelichick’s first year at the collegiate level was engulfed with rumors about his future with the program and allegations of a toxic locker room environment.
To make matters worse, Belichick and Hudson made headlines for a viral moment in April when she interrupted his “CBS Mornings” interview over a question about how they met.
After that, questions arose about Hudson’s involvement with Belichick’s career outside of football.
Belichick previously said Hudson handles his career opportunities outside of UNC.
The six-time Super Bowl champ with the Patriots supported Hudson at her adult cheerleading competition in Atlanta this week.
English (US)