Bill Belichick shows up in all kinds of unexpected places.
Hours after it was announced that the longtime NFL head coach had been interviewed for the opening ceremony at the University of North Carolina, Belichick, 72, was joined by 24-year-old girlfriend Jordon Hudson at Thursday’s American Museum of Natural History gala. in New York.
The event included a performance by Arcade Fire and appearances by Scarlett Johansson and Alec Baldwin. Belichick and Hudson joined in the black-tie affair with the future Hall of Famer wearing a traditional tuxedo and his date showing off her thigh in a high-cut matching black dress.
Both Hudson and Belichick have been the topic of the day on social media following the latter’s reported interview for the coaching job at North Carolina. The former head coach of the New England Patriots has never worked at the college level, so news of the interview naturally led to a few jokes about his high school girlfriend.
“Belichick is just trying to find some college girls,” one fan wrote on X, echoing a joke from countless others.
“His girlfriend committed to UNC?” asked another.
Belichick and Hudson will be seen at the American Museum of Natural History gala on Thursday
Earlier Thursday, it was announced that Belichick had applied for UNC’s vacancy
One fan commented that Belichick would take the job to be “closer to his girlfriend.”
The legendary Patriots coach has not been on the sidelines since he and New England parted ways in January after 24 seasons.
But according to Within Carolina Belichick has now interviewed for the position of UNC’s head coach in what would be a surprise return to football. The report comes after the Tar Heels fired previous coach Mack Brown.
The 72-year-old has been dating Hudson, a former college cheerleader, for several months, sparking rumors that the couple could be on their way to getting married despite their half-century age difference.
Belichick has never coached at the college level, although his son, Stephen, is currently the defensive coordinator at the University of Washington. It’s unclear whether Belichick’s potential move to Chapel Hill could result in a position for Stephen, who previously coached under his father in Foxborough.
Additionally, UNC is known more for its storied basketball program than its football program, and the Tar Heels have not posted double-digit wins in a season since 2015.
Inside Carolina added that Belichick is one of several candidates interviewed for the role, including Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall and Georgia defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann.
Belichick interviewed for the Atlanta Falcons head coaching job after leaving the Patriots earlier in 2024. He was also offered the opportunity to become the 49ers’ defensive coordinator by San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan before turning down the position.
The 72-year-old has been dating Hudson, a former college cheerleader, for several months
Belichick has never coached at the college level, while Hudson recently graduated himself
Belichick has coached in the NFL since the late 1970s, but has never worked at the college level
The revelation that legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick interviewed for the vacant head coaching position at North Carolina has been met with the inevitable jokes about his girlfriend
Ultimately, he found himself without a coaching job this season and has instead filled his time with various media roles, including appearances on ESPN’s Monday Night Football ‘Manningcast’ and ‘Inside the NFL’ on the CW.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter previously reported that Belichick was expected to be “picky” when choosing his potential next job.
Belichick was the de facto GM of the Patriots in addition to his coaching duties, and had a tremendous amount of power and influence in New England.
If Belichick prefers to return to the NFL rather than attempt the college ranks, there are expected to be plenty of open positions, as Sports Illustrated reporter Albert Breer predicted on the Dan Patrick Show there will be seven to 10 head coaching vacancies.
The Jets, Saints and Bears have already fired their coaches, while the Jaguars, Giants and Cowboys could follow suit.