CHEER WE GO
Bill Belichick’s rollercoaster year from New England Patriots firing to live TV debut and Jordon Hudson relationship
The New England Patriots icon had a star turn on a Netflix special
BILL Belichick's rollercoaster year has taken in the end of a historic coaching career and the start of a controversial relationship.
The New England Patriots legend began 2024 in humiliating fashion with his departure from the franchise after 24 years and six Super Bowls.
8
8
To the shock of the NFL community, Belichick couldn't secure a head coaching role in the offseason and will head into the 2024 season unemployed.
But Belichick bounced back with a move into broadcasting on The Pat McAfee Show, a star turn at Tom Brady's Netflix Roast, plus an appearance on Apple TV+ docuseries The Dynasty.
And the 72-year-old has since made further headlines with his controversial relationship with former cheerleader Jordon Hudson, who is 24 years old.
Here is a look at Belichick's year so far which has gone from jeers to cheers.
Read more on Bill Belichick
End of an illustrious era
Belichick began 2024 amid rampant speculation he was about to lose his job, with the Patriots having a dismal 4-12 record going into the final regular season game.
His departure became inevitable after the Patriots lost 17-13 to the New York Jets to mark the worst finish for Belichick since he took over the franchise.
8
8
"As far as the future goes, I'll sit down with Robert (Kraft), as I do every year at some point at the end of the season," Belichick said.
"And we will talk about things as we always do. I'm sure that will happen."
Most read in American Football
On January 11, Patriots owner Robert Kraft decided to wield the axe to end Belichick's historic 24-year run with the team.
In an emotional press conference, Belichick appeared to hold back the tears.
Bill Belichick makes 'savage' Rob Gronkowski joke over Fox NFL Sunday job during brutal Tom Brady Netflix roast
Belichick's voice cracked as he said, "There's so many fond memories and thoughts [when] I think about the Patriots.
"I'll always be a Patriot, I look forward to coming back here. But at this time, we're going to move on.
"I'm excited about the future."
Kraft then replaced Belichick at the podium to discuss what he described as "the end of an era."
The Patriots owner also described the NFL icon as "the greatest coach of all times" and suggested he would be a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer.
Former Patriots quarterback Brady showed his support for Belichick on social media.
"I could never have been the player I was without you Coach Belichick," Brady wrote.
"I am forever grateful. And I wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose next."
It seemed likely that Belichick would soon find another head coaching role in the NFL.
But he was sensationally snubbed despite interviews with the Washington Commanders and Atlanta Falcons.
Move into broadcasting
Belichick began to consider his future career options and Pat McAfee made it clear he wanted the NFL icon on his ESPN show.
"I am trying my best to get Bill Belichick on this program at least once a week going forward," the ESPN star said.
8
8
"Just at least once a week going forward in the football season.
"Could you imagine us peppering Bill Belichick every single week throughout an entire football season?"
As this was taking place, Belichick made an appearance in the Apple TV+ docuseries The Dynasty, which showed the highs and lows of the head coach's time at the Patriots.
Many NFL insiders were disappointed and dismayed by Belichick's negative portrayal in the series.
In April, Belichick joined McAfee for a live broadcast of the NFL Draft from Detroit.
And the Patriots legend earned rave reviews from fans for his analysis – and sharp sense of humor.
During the program, Belichick agreed to appear on The Pat McAfee Show regularly during the 2024 NFL season.
A few days later, Belichick showed off his unexpected flair for comedy at Brady's Netflix roast, including a hilarious dig at Rob Gronkowski.
During the live TV special, Peyton Manning revealed that Belichick would appear on the Monday Night Football ManningCast next season.
"For those who don't know, Coach is gonna be doing some work on Eli and my Monday Night Football show this year," Manning said.
"I gotta tell you, it's gonna be awesome. Eli and I are super excited.
"And it's gonna give Coach Belichick something he hasn't had in a while – the chance to be around quarterbacks that he respects."
Controversial relationship
Belichick, who is of Croatian descent, was then honored in a number of ceremonies during a visit to the European country.
But the coach's life was shaken to its core when TMZ reported that he was dating 24-year-old Hudson.
8
8
It emerged that Belichick first met Hudson on a flight from the Boston area bound for Florida in 2021.
The pair reportedly bonded over a philosophy project that she was working on at the time.
The two stayed in touch as Hudson and Belichick communicated through the ensuing months.
Both talked about her cheerleading days and schoolwork throughout that time.
Once Belichick split with ex-girlfriend Linda Holliday, his relationship with Hudson began to warm up.
Read More on The US Sun
In the ensuing days, pictures emerged of the couple together – before a video was released of Belichick sneaking out of her home.
NFL insiders and media pundits have since commented on the relationship, with one describing Belichick as "a pig."