Belichick Deflects Press Questions on Split with Hudson
The UNC head coach called a reporter a tabloid journalist during a Monday press conference, days after outlets confirmed his breakup with his former partner.
By Mateo Thompson ·
Bill Belichick responded with visible irritation to a question about his personal life during a University of North Carolina football press conference on Monday. The 74-year-old head coach, who recently separated from 25-year-old Jordon Hudson, told the reporter he would keep his relationships to himself.
The exchange occurred just days after several news organizations reported that the couple had quietly ended their relationship late last year. WRAL reporter Brian Murphy asked Belichick if he had any comment on the headlines and what the split might mean for the program. Belichick answered by asking, “Do you work for a tabloid now?” He followed up by stating he would keep his personal comments and relationships private if that was acceptable to the reporter.
The couple’s relationship has faced public scrutiny since they announced their engagement in June 2024. Hudson, a former cheerleader, drew attention in April 2025 after a CBS Sunday Morning interview. During the broadcast, interviewer Tony Dokoupil asked Belichick how they met. Hudson interrupted to say, “We’re not talking about this,” prompting criticism from fans and media.
Belichick defended Hudson in a statement to HuffPost, suggesting the interview was deceptively edited to create a false narrative. He noted that Hudson was simply ensuring the interview stayed on track. The coach clarified that the pair met on a flight to Palm Beach in 2021, a fact they had previously shared openly.
In a September interview with The Wall Street Journal, Belichick dismissed rumors that Hudson was attempting to control the UNC football program. He called those rumors “ridiculous.” The two continue to maintain business partnerships and remain close friends, according to People magazine.
Hudson addressed online critics in an Instagram story on December 31, 2024. She wrote that she could not wait to “take punches” for Belichick in 2025. She added a note to her followers, calling them “Keyboard Warriors” and stating that their “illusion of righteousness” fueled her authenticity.
The split comes as Belichick prepares to lead the Tar Heels into the upcoming season. The team will hold its next scheduled game in a few weeks, with the coaching staff focused on on-field performance rather than off-field commentary.
