Bill Belichick Cuts Key Staff Members Following Drama-Filled First Season At UNC

Bill Belichick is looking to overhaul his staff following a disappointing debut season in college football.

The veteran coach, who leads the University of North Carolina, recorded more losses than wins this season, a stark contrast to expectations given his storied career.

Bill Belichick has now decided to part ways with offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens and special teams coordinator Mike Priefer.

Just weeks after the college football season concluded, Bill Belichick has dismissed offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens and special teams coordinator Mike Priefer from his staff at UNC.

"We want to thank Coach Kitchens and Coach Priefer for their commitment and many contributions to our program and student-athletes," Belichick confirmed the news in a statement, per ESPN. "We wish them both nothing but the best in their future endeavors."

The move comes as no surprise, as UNC struggled throughout the season with both its offense and special teams.

On offense in particular, the team averaged just 19.3 points per game, which played a major part in their four-win, eight-loss record. Meanwhile, a fake field goal against UNC during the Duke game was one of many incidents that highlighted their special teams issues.

It is currently unclear who will replace Kitchens and Priefer, or if the university has already begun the hiring process.

Beyond his on-field struggles, Belichick's season at UNC was also marred by numerous off-field controversies, largely connected to his girlfriend, Jordon Hudson.

In April, their age-gap relationship drew major attention following a disastrous CBS interview.

During the segment, Hudson repeatedly tried to prevent the host from asking personal questions, prompting speculation about how much influence she had over Belichick's personal life.

Since then, Hudson has frequently appeared on the sidelines during games despite having no technical role with the football team.

Her ongoing feud with journalist Pablo Torre has also made headlines, with the 24-year-old former beauty queen recently threatening legal action against the former ESPN analyst.

Online, many have termed these directions as a stain on the ventral coach, who made a name for himself by winning multiple Super Bowls during his NFL stint as coach of the New England Patriots.

For now, Belichick will continue in his role as the coach of UNC despite his horrendous first season.

He previously stated in October that he remains committed to coaching the team after rumors that UNC had discussions about potential exit strategies for Belichick.

"I'm fully committed to UNC Football and the program we're building here," Belichick said in the statement.

This was followed by another from the university, which stated that Belichick has the school's "full support."

Belichick further affirmed his decision recently amid new speculation about a return to the NFL after the Giants recently fired their coach.

"I have great respect and genuinely care for the New York Giants organization and both the Mara and Tisch families," Belichick penned in a statement last month, per the New York Post.

He expressed gratitude for the club, noting that the Giants played an "important role" in his life and "coaching journey," but stressed that he had no interest in getting an NFL job as head coach.

"It was a privilege for me to work for the Mara family and be a member of Coach Parcells' staff for over a decade," Belichick noted. "However, despite circulating rumors, I have not and will not pursue any NFL head coaching vacancies."

While the decision to allow Belichick to continue as UNC's coach has not sat well with many, the veteran coach has received backing from some quarters.

Earlier this month, Conference Commissioner Jim Phillips told the Charlotte Observer that fans should be patient with Belichick and expressed full confidence in the coach's ability to turn UNC's fortunes around with a "really good plan."

"I'm excited about the future of North Carolina football. I am," Phillips said at the time, per NYP.

He added about the coach, "I think it was a difficult situation, a transition period, and you have the all-time winningest football coach and one of the greatest coaches in the game. He deserves time. He deserves support. And I think he's got a really good plan moving forward."