Bill Belichick is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history.
He signed on to be the next head coach for the University of North Carolina football program, but after some recent controversy, there is a possibility that the two sides could split up before he even coaches a game for the program.
Why Belichick and UNC Could be Headed for a Split
Belichick and his girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, a 24-year-old former Bridgewater State University cheerleader and 2024 Miss Maine USA pageant first runner-up, have been in the news often since they have gotten together.
However, their frequent headlines have been so controversial that journalist Pablo Torre reported that UNC banned Hudson from their facilities. UNC has since denied this report, but there have been so many headlines about the couple that raise questions.
One instance that drew some negative headlines involved Hudson’s interference during Belichick’s recent interview with CBS. After he was asked how the two met, she said, “We’re not talking about this.”
Bill Belichick’s girlfriend Jordon Hudson shut down a question about how they met during an interview with CBS 😬
(via @cbsmornings) pic.twitter.com/5D2oYP2KKl
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports)
“I think there’s a chance, an absolutely real chance that he doesn’t [make it to Week 1],” said Torre on the “Dominique Foxworth Show.” “And the reason I say that is because even before the Jordon Hudson thing became as public, even before it went from messy backstage to now, obviously messy everywhere, the date that matters the most is June 1.”
Do you think Bill Belichick makes it to Week 1 with UNC after the recent reporting about his relationship with Jordon Hudson?
"I think there's an absolutely real chance that he doesn't." – @PabloTorre 👀👀 pic.twitter.com/tzRhlklOeS
— The Domonique Foxworth Show (@FoxworthShow)
“On June 1, the buyout of Bill Belichick goes from $10 million to $1 million, if Bill wanted the escape hatch,” Torre added. “Are things so dysfunctional behind the scenes when it comes to the power struggle …then there is the ability for him to get out of it.”
If all this drama becomes too much for either Belichick or the Tar Heels, $1 million may be a small amount of money to eat to go their separate ways before things go any further.
What NFL Teams Could Have Interest if Belichick is Available?
If Belichick and the Tar Heels were to go their separate ways, there will presumably be speculation about a return to the NFL.
While a return likely wouldn’t happen during the 2025 season, due to teams already having coaches in place, there are a few teams whose coaches may be on the hot seat and could be potential fits after the 2025 season.
3. Miami Dolphins
Mike McDaniel was initially embraced as a breath of fresh air for the Miami Dolphins. But after a disappointing 2024 season and no playoff wins during his tenure, his seat may be starting to warm up.
In both of his first two seasons, Miami started strong before fading down the stretch and exiting in the first round of the playoffs. The 2024 campaign unraveled after quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion, and the team never regained its footing.
The Dolphins will aim to silence the doubters in 2025, but if they fall short again, a coaching change could be on the table. Bill Belichick—known for his discipline and defensive pedigree—could emerge as a compelling alternative.
Where McDaniel is an offensive-minded coach with a lighthearted rapport with the media, Belichick represents the opposite: stern, experienced, and focused on changing a team’s culture from the ground up.
2. Cleveland Browns
Belichick could also be a logical fit for a team he once led—the Cleveland Browns. He served as their head coach from 1991 to 1995, marking the beginning of his career as an NFL head coach.
Kevin Stefanski is the Browns’ current head coach, but the team has gone just 40–44 under his leadership. If Cleveland turns in another underwhelming season, Stefanski could find himself on the hot seat. Should the Browns decide to make a change, they might consider going in a completely different direction by bringing in a highly decorated defensive mind like Belichick.
1. New York Giants
The New York Giants could also be a familiar landing spot for Bill Belichick, who won two Super Bowls as the team’s defensive coordinator before launching his head coaching career.
Currently, Brian Daboll leads the Giants, but after a disappointing 2024 season, ownership has made it clear that they expect the team to contend. If New York underperforms again in 2025, Daboll could be on the hot seat—potentially opening the door for Belichick’s return.
As with the Browns and Dolphins, Daboll is an offensive-minded coach. A second straight letdown could prompt the Giants to consider a dramatic shift in coaching philosophy, turning to a veteran defensive strategist like Belichick.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches of all time, Belichick’s name will continue to surface in headlines—not only for his coaching future, but also due to his increasingly public personal life. Whether he returns to the sidelines remains uncertain, but his next move will undoubtedly be one to watch.