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Jen Belichick has released a bizarre statement in the wake of her husband's shock resignation from Bill Belichick's staff at North Carolina - much to the confusion of some fans.
Steve Belichick, 39, had served as defensive coordinator of the UNC Tar Heels, working under his father after the NFL legend moved to Chapel Hill back in December 2024.
On Thursday, however, Steve quit the program after an investigation into the football program's culture found 'a disregard for Carolina's values and standards of conduct.'
The 39-year-old was mysteriously placed on medical leave last month before a bombshell report from WRAL claimed investigators were looking into whether the defensive coordinator used drugs on the job or supplied drugs to at least one Tar Heels player.
Steve, who was in the final year of a $2.7 million contract, will officially leave his post on October 27 once his medical leave is complete.
But on Thursday afternoon, Jen Belichick - who has been married to Steve for nearly a decade - released a statement on behalf of the family. 'We are grateful for our time and our opportunity in Chapel Hill, and we are very proud of our influence on the positive direction of the program,' she told ESPN.
Jen Belichick has released a statement in the wake of her husband's exit from North Carolina
Steve Belichick, 39, had served as defensive coordinator of UNC, working under his father Bill
'Our priority will always be to show up with a healthy and strong mind for ourselves and our 5 children. We are humbled by the relationships that have been fostered here in North Carolina and would like to thank each and every person that has positively impacted our experience.
'Unfortunately there is misinformation and speculation about our own situation, but we believe prioritizing health as the most important thing you can do in this life and is invaluable compared to anything else.
'We strongly encourage anyone in need of support to utilize their resources in order to achieve the best version of themselves. We will always be Uncle Brian [Belichick, who is reportedly stepping up to replace his brother] and Pop’s biggest supporters and have no doubt that the UNC defense is prepared to ball out.'
The statement soon went viral, with many fans accusing Jen Belichick of trying to claim credit for her husband's work as defensive coordinator. 'It's so embarrassing for everyone involved when these wives say they coached,' one fan wrote.
'Acting like she ran the program with that "we" stuff is wild,' another fan said. 'That's why these statements tick everyone off.'
Steve Belichick's exit comes two weeks after Michael Lombardi, a longtime ally of his father and UNC's football general manager, also resigned.
Lombardi, 67, was put on paid administrative leave in July following an internal human resources complaint filed by a former staffer. He was paid $1.5 million-a-year by UNC, making him the top-paid GM in the college game.
Bill Belichick's reign in Chapel Hill has been beset by chaos, thanks in large part to his relationship with 25-year-old Jordon Hudson.
The 39-year-old Steve Belichick was mysteriously placed on medical leave last month
Last year, his wife reportedly savaged Jordon Hudson, in a foul-mouthed, 40-minute rant
Last year, Jen reportedly savaged Hudson, in a foul-mouthed, 40-minute rant. The New York Post claimed Jen branded Hudson, 25, 'bats*** crazy' back in November and accused her of 'f***ing twisting' the brain of her 74-year-old boyfriend.
The legendary coach was reportedly urged to 'wake up' and then issued with an ultimatum: 'You choose your family or [her].'
On Thursday, meanwhile, UNC released a statement, announcing the investigation into the football team's culture had concluded.
It read: 'The investigation determined that certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina's values and standards of conduct. The investigation also found that these actions were isolated in scope and not a systemic failure.'
Also in the statement, UNC announced it has suspended freshman wide receiver Keeyun Chapman from the team 'indefinitely' after he was arrested on a misdemeanor gun charge Tuesday night.
After a difficult first season in Chapel Hill, the Tar Heels are currently 2-0 after victories over TCU and East Tennessee State. But they now face two difficult games back-to-back against Clemson and Notre Dame.
