Bill Belichick leaving UNC gets massive update from college football insider

Matthew Wadleigh

Bill Belichick leaving UNC gets massive update from college football insider image

The headaches around the North Carolina football program are mounting quickly. Head coach Bill Belichick and his girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, have been a common sight in headlines across the country, and rightfully so. 

As a result, some even wonder if North Carolina moves on from Belichick before the first game of the season. Former NFL player Dominique Foxworth also stressed that as a possibility recently after the drama involving the rumors of Hudson being banned, which were later proven to be untrue. 

Stewart Mandel of The Athletic answered the question about Belichick potentially being fired before the season, and he urged the brakes to be pumped on that discussion - at least for now. 

"I’d recommend pumping the brakes. UNC has invested way too much in Belichick and his program — $20 million in staff salaries alone — to turn around and dismantle it six months later. I’ve seen references by various media outlets to his buyout dropping from $10 million to $1 million on June 1, but that’s what Belichick would owe if he leaves. The school would owe him closer to $30 million if it were to part ways with him now."

Mandel continued to go on asking what the reason would be for North Carolina moving on from Belichick, which is a valid point. 

"As for the possibility of firing him for cause, what is the cause, exactly? Hiring his meddling, much-younger girlfriend to be his manager? Unless he secretly put her on the UNC payroll, that’s not exactly a fireable offense. Causing negative publicity for the university? I’d contend it’s been far more negative toward Belichick and his girlfriend than it has for UNC. I assume all parties will proceed to kickoff and hope the Hudson story falls to the wayside, as most offseason controversies do. And it probably will — if the Tar Heels win."

Sure, there's plenty of drama involving Belichick and Hudson, but as Mandel says, it doesn't pertain to North Carolina. It doesn't seem to bother the program or the players on the team. 

Moreover, North Carolina has had some big wins in the transfer portal and recruiting front, and winning games on the field would wipe all of that away. 

Only time will tell if North Carolina thinks it's too much, but all signs point to the Tar Heels letting it ride. 

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Matthew Wadleigh

Matthew Wadleigh is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He was born and raised in Southern California and grew up a San Diego sports fan (yes, it’s tough, except for Aztecs hoops). Matthew went to Fresno State as a journalism major and got to see Davante Adams, Derek Carr, Paul George and Aaron Judge in person. Matthew has written for publications including ClutchPoints, Sportscasting, Fansided, Trojans Wire, UCLA Wire and Buffaloes Wire.