Bill Belichick's UNC boss hit with Jordon Hudson ban questions after firing rumors surface
During an interview with ESPN on Tuesday, Cunningham denied a report by Pablo Torre that claimed Hudson, 24, was banned from UNC athletics — and praised Belichick, 73, for carrying himself as a 'professional individual.'
'Bill's been great to work with,' Cunningham said. 'He talked about practicing like a pro and he runs a professional organization that is teaching students how to be professional in all aspects of their life. He is a very determined, professional individual, and that's the way he carries himself and the way he conducts the program.'
4 Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson attend the 14th Annual NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre on Feb. 6, 2025.
Getty Images
When asked whether he was concerned about distractions, Cunningham said, 'Bill is an incredibly focused person.'
Cunningham spoke with ESPN after Torre reported Monday there 'is a real chance' Belichick won't be coaching for UNC in Week 1 of the 2025 college football season as the drama around the coach and his girlfriend have overwhelmed any discussion about the football team.
Cunningham did not directly address that report.
4 University of North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham.
AP
During a Tuesday appearance on 'SportsCenter,' Belichick said Hudson has nothing to do with his football program.
It was his first televised interview since her viral interjection during his 'CBS Sunday Mornings' interview that aired April 27 and served as precursor for multiple reports that alleged she's trying to control Belichick's career in order to benefit hers.
'That's really off to the side, it's a personal relationship,' he said while at the ACC Spring Meetings. 'She doesn't have anything to do with UNC football.'
4 Bill Belichick addresses his relationship with Jordon Hudson during a 'SportsCenter' appearance at the ACC Spring Meetings on May 13, 2025.
ESPN
Belichick told ESPN he discussed the situation surrounding his personal life with his team and that it won't be a distraction.
'I talked to the players when we meet with them,' Belichick said. 'We want to make the players the best they can be and giving them the best opportunity on and off the field.'
Belichick, a six-time Super Bowl winner, went on to emphasize his goal of making North Carolina the '33rd NFL team' by implementing a pro model.
The six-time Super Bowl winner added that he he isn't putting pressure on himself to set expectations in his first season coaching at the college level.
'Try to stack good days together,' Belichick said. 'Good day, come back, build higher the next day. It's not about where we're going to be X-number of months or weeks from now.'
4 Jordon Hudson seen on the field with Bill Belichick during a UNC spring game in April 2025.
The Carolina Cockroach/TikTok
Belichick is set to appear Friday on 'Good Morning America' for a sit-down interview with Michael Strahan.
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