Players from the University of North Carolina's American football team have publicly defended their new head coach Bill Belichick against suggestions that his relationship with 24-year-old Jordon Hudson has disrupted team preparations.
Speaking at the ACC media day in Charlotte on Thursday, wide receiver Jordan Shipp firmly rejected claims circulating on social media about Hudson's alleged interference with the programme.
"Social media can promote some narrative, but that was not a distraction to us at all," Shipp told ESPN.
Quarterback Gio Lopez echoed these sentiments, describing the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach as a "normal guy" who remains focused on his duties despite the media attention surrounding his personal life.
GETTY | Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson have defended their relationship several times
The players directly addressed speculation about Hudson's presence at team facilities, with Shipp stating: "There was never a problem, like people saying she was running practice.
"We'd never really see her in the building. That was never a problem."
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Lopez supported this account, noting that whilst he encounters stories about Belichick on social media, Hudson's visibility remains largely confined to online platforms rather than the team complex.
The comments contradict widespread social media narratives suggesting Hudson had been attempting to exert control over the programme, including unverified reports that she had been banned from the facility - claims which UNC Athletics has denied.
Belichick himself addressed the controversy, characterising the media coverage as "just noise" and drawing parallels to his time with the New England Patriots.
"Sometimes it's noisy, and sometimes it isn't," he told ESPN.
"Sometimes with the Patriots it was noisy, too."
The players drew comparisons to the previous coaching regime, with Shipp revealing he regularly shared breakfast with former head coach Mack Brown's wife at the team facility.
"I don't think Jordon's had lunch with anybody," Belichick quipped in response.
Shipp emphasised the team's unwavering support, stating: "We support Coach B no matter what he's doing. We're behind him 100 percent."
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Getty | Bill Belichick and Jordan Hudson have been dating for over two yearsThe 73-year-old coach's relationship with Hudson attracted significant scrutiny in April when she interrupted his CBS Sunday Morning interview, stepping in when questions arose about how the couple met.
The interview formed part of a promotional tour for Belichick's book, "The Art of Winning: Lessons from My Life in Football."
Belichick was appointed as North Carolina's head coach in December, taking on his first college football role after his illustrious NFL career.
The Tar Heels, who concluded last season with a 6-6 regular-season record, begin their 2025 campaign against TCU on 1 September, with Belichick confirming the season opener remains his primary focus.
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