Belichick's UNC season faces QB woes and hiring probe

Bill Belichick’s first season as head coach at the University of North Carolina has been marked by on-field inconsistency, off-field scrutiny and heightened public attention on his relationship with Jordon Hudson, as the program navigates a 2-2 start and legal questions about his hiring. The 73 year old coach and Hudson, 24, were photographed together during the team’s recent bye week, drawing fresh attention as the Tar Heels prepare to face Clemson on October 4 in Chapel Hill.

UNC’s uneven start includes decisive losses to TCU and UCF and wins over Richmond and Charlotte. Quarterback play has emerged as a particular concern. Starter Gio Lopez suffered an injury in the September 20 game against UCF, compounding instability under center. Before the injury Lopez had thrown for 430 yards on the season with three touchdowns and three interceptions and had not produced a game with more than 160 passing yards or multiple touchdown passes. Backup options include Max Johnson and true freshman Bryce Baker, but staff and observers say developing college quarterbacks will be a key test for a coach whose career was built in the NFL.

The program is also facing legal scrutiny. A former...