Bill Belichick Reportedly Listens to Jordon Hudson, Lombardi 'Above All Else' at UNC

The circle of trust for Bill Belichick at North Carolina is apparently very small.

On the newest episode of Pablo Torre Finds Out released Friday (8:20 mark), Pablo Torre cited 12 different people who are familiar with the situation that Belichick listens to Jordon Hudson and Michael Lombardi "above all else" at North Carolina.

Belichick only relying on a small, select group of people isn't a huge surprise. During his tenure with the New England Patriots, he would frequently recycle the same coaches on his staff.

For example, Josh McDaniels, Matt Patricia and Joe Judge were among the assistants under Belichick who left to become head coaches then returned after being fired from those jobs.

It's not unusual for coaches to have a group of people they frequently trust. McDaniels was arguably the best offensive coordinator the Patriots had in the Belichick era.

But continuing to go back to the same well does speak to Belichick's unwillingness to evolve.

This was reportedly one of the reasons he was passed over for the Atlanta Falcons job two years ago because he couldn't persuade team officials, including owner Arthur Blank, that he could adapt and coexist with their executives after 24 years of being the dominant voice as head coach and de facto general manager in New England.

Hudson clearly has a significant voice in Belichick's ear. She is in charge of his brand management company, in addition to their personal relationship.

Lombardi and Belichick's working relationship dates back to 1991 when Belichick was hired as defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns and Lombardi was their director of pro personnel.

Belichick brought Lombardi to New England for three seasons from 2014 to '16 with the title of assistant to the coaching staff.

Until Belichick opens himself up to more outside voices, it just feels like he is going to stay behind the eight ball on the football field. His start with North Carolina has been a disaster with a 2-3 record that's being propped up by wins over a group of five team (Charlotte) and an FCS program (Richmond).

In three games against Power Four conference opponents, the Tar Heels have been outscored 120-33. They have another game against a Power Four opponent on Friday night when they take on Cal.