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Bill Belichick isn't exactly known for being chatty. But this week, the famously tight-lipped coach decided to open up-sort of.
After dodging questions in a recent CBS Sunday Morning interview, the 73-year-old head coach of North Carolina finally responded to the now-viral beach photo of him lifting girlfriend Jordon Hudson into the air during a yoga pose. The picture, posted back in March, quickly caught fire online-and not just because of the acrobatics.
Belichick avoided the topic in the CBS interview, even as Hudson reportedly interrupted from off-camera to shut down questions about their relationship. But when the subject came up again during his appearance on The Pivot podcast this week, host Channing Crowder gave him an opening-and this time, Belichick took it.
"Trying to Stay Young," Belichick Says, Laughing Off Viral Moment
That was his only real comment on the photo, but the line was enough to get the studio laughing-and the internet buzzing again. While he didn't dive into workout routines or relationship details, the moment marked the first time Belichick publicly acknowledged the viral image.
The rest of the podcast focused mostly on his new book, The Art of Winning: Lessons from My Life in Football, but Belichick did take a moment to clarify Hudson's role in his life. He insisted that while she's not involved in the Tar Heels program, she helps manage his personal commitments-things like speaking engagements and autograph appearances.
Still, the scrutiny around their relationship hasn't quieted. Hudson, 24, has come under fire in recent weeks amid reports-first reported by TMZ and later picked up by People-that Belichick's family is concerned about her influence.
She responded Thursday night with a cryptic but bold statement on X, posting a single hashtag: "#scapeGOAT."
That post followed a wave of online criticism and speculation about the dynamics between the couple-especially after Hudson's off-camera interruption during the CBS taping went viral itself.
Despite all the headlines, sources at UNC told The Athletic that Belichick remains locked in on football, fully committed to reviving the Tar Heels program in his first season at the helm. Whether or not the yoga photo resurfaces again, it's clear the coach is staying focused-and maybe even enjoying the attention a little more than he lets on.