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Bill Belichick's future as head coach of the University of North Carolina's football team may be uncertain due to a combination of off-field drama and a significant contract clause, according to Pablo Torre.
A growing controversy around Belichick's personal life, specifically his highly publicized relationship with 24-year-old Jordon Hudson could potentially see the 75-year-old quit his role ahead of an intriguing NCAA season.
According to Torre even before the relationship became widely known, the June 1 deadline for Belichick's contract buyout was looming. As reported, the buyout clause in Belichick's contract with UNC drops dramatically from $10 million to just $1 million.
That could allow struggling NFL franchises to poach the six-time Super Bowl champion before he even takes his clipboard to the sidelines for the Tar Heels' opener against the TCU Horned Frogs.
But the real catch might be Hudson herself, as the former ESPN reporter and personality claims there is a growing fear she's actually a bad influence on the legendary head coach.
"There is deep worry for how detrimental Jordon can be," Torre told for not just North Carolina but Bill's legacy, reputation - everything he has built and worked for over decades."
He added: "The date that matters most is June 1. The buyout clause going from $10 million to $1 million is key. If things continue to unravel, it could create a clear path for Belichick to leave.
"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 most is June 1.
"Are things so dysfunctional behind the scenes when it comes to the power struggle? What are they telling Bill? To not have Jordon around anymore, to stop behaving the way that he has. For the first time, it seems like he's being told, 'You're an employee now, not the boss.'"
Growing internal tensions surrounding Belichick's behavior, particularly the involvement of Hudson, could be enough to drive the coach to consider an exit; especially with UNC likely pressuring him to reconsider his actions as they seem no longer swept up by his name.
Hudson gives frosty CBS interview
The controversy intensified following Belichick's public appearance alongside Hudson on CBS Sunday Morning, where the couple's relationship was put under scrutiny once again - something they've endured since going public.
When Belichick was questioned by the show's host, Tony Dokoupil, about how he met his girlfriend, Hudson abruptly deflected from offset by saying, "We're not talking about this."
This was just weeks before she tried to awkwardly get involved in a Dunkin Donuts commercial for the Super Bowl, eventually appearing on camera besides the NFL icon in Ben Affleck's commercial.
The pair are thought to have met on a flight in 2021 where they exchanged details and stayed in touch, eventually beginning dating in 2024 shortly after Belichick split from Linda Holliday.