Bill Belichick hasn’t even stepped onto the field as head coach of the University of North Carolina, but already, controversy is clouding his tenure.
In the wake of an awkward CBS interview segment featuring Belichick and his girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, concerns are mounting, not only about optics but also about his suitability to lead a college football program.
Ted Johnson: Belichick isn’t college coach material
Jordon Hudson, who reportedly played a major role in scripting and controlling aspects of the CBS interview, has drawn criticism for her growing influence over Belichick’s public and professional dealings.
This has raised questions about his leadership, most vocally from one of his former players, Ted Johnson, who believes UNC should rethink its decision to hire the legendary coach.
“I think the … Tar Heels should consider firing Bill Belichick,”Johnson said during an appearance on WEEI Afternoons.
“They should consider letting him go at this point. It’s a lot of money and they’re deep into, obviously, their preparation for next year, but I look at Bill Belichick and I wonder if he’s fit to coach an NFL team, let alone fit to coach a college team.”
Johnson, a three-time Super Bowl champion who played under Belichick in New England from 2000 to 2004, believes college coaches carry an added moral responsibility.
He referenced his own experience with former Colorado coach Bill McCartney, describing him as a role model and someone who “made the university proud.”
In contrast, he questioned whether Belichick’s current situation reflects positively on UNC.
The concern stems in part from internal UNC emails that revealed Hudson has been looped into official team communications and has even voiced opinions on social media commentary and portrayals of Belichick’s son, defensive coordinator Steve Belichick.
While Hudson holds no official role in the athletic department, her influence appears increasingly visible.
“What you’ve seen so far, the behaviors with Jordon. That dynamic, her being on the football field, her just kind of embarrassing Bill,”Johnson added.
“To me, those are bad decisions that make him and the university look really bad.”
Johnson also questioned Belichick’s emotional investment in his players, suggesting he lacks the personal connection required at the collegiate level.
“Bill Belichick never has really cared about his players, like genuinely cared,” he said.
“At the college level, you really need coaches that care… Bill just isn’t that guy.”
For now, UNC has made no public statements about Johnson’s comments or any reconsideration of Belichick’s role.
But if the scrutiny continues to grow, the university could be forced to reassess whether Belichick is the right cultural fit for Chapel Hill.
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