UNC Chancellor 'Delighted' About 'Attention' Bill Belichick Has Brought to CFB Team

University of North Carolina chancellor Lee Roberts seems to subscribe to the belief that any publicity is good publicity regarding the focus paid on the football program since hiring Bill Belichick as head coach.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Roberts explained he is "delighted about all the attention" the Tar Heels football team is getting with Belichick at the helm.

Roberts also indicated he didn't have any discussions with Belichick about his relationship with Jordon Hudson and how that might impact the university or the football program.

Much of the recent discussion around Belichick has surrounded Hudson and how much involvement she has with North Carolina's football program.

According to an April 15 report from The Athletic's Matt Baker, Hudson has frequently corresponded with members of North Carolina's media team via emails. She's reportedly directing them on how to address various social-media attacks against Belichick and how to avoid portraying Bill's son, Steve, as if he were hired as defensive coordinator because of his personal relationship to the head coach.

Baker noted that Hudson doesn't have a contract or any employment agreement with the university.

On the May 9 episode of Pablo Torre Finds Out, Meadowlark Media's Pablo Torre reported that Hudson was banned from North Carolina's football facility. The university issued a statement denying any ban had been issued.

Torre later said on May 12 that there is a "real chance" Belichick never coaches a game for the Tar Heels.

Belichick has downplayed Hudson's role with North Carolina's football team, telling SportsCenter's Christine Williamson on May 13 that their relationship is a personal one and she "doesn't have anything to do with UNC football."

Belichick also said on the May 16 episode of Good Morning America that Hudson "does the business things that don't relate to North Carolina" so he can focus on coaching the football team.

UNC officially hired Belichick on Dec. 11, marking his first stint as a head coach at the college level. The official details of his contract include a buyout in the first year that is currently at $10 million before dropping to $1 million on June 1.

While it can be debated if all of this attention is good, Roberts is correct that Belichick has been beneficial. North Carolina has sold out its season-ticket allotment for the 2025 season.

The Tar Heels have also added a lot of talent through the transfer portal. They have the ninth-best transfer class in the country, per 247Sports.

Belichick is looking to get the program back on track after a 6-7 record in 2024. The Tar Heels haven't won 10 games in a season since 2015.