Former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, 72, appeared on his first red carpet alongside his girlfriend Jordon Hudson, 24. He’s previously described the former cheerleader as “my biggest catch.”

The couple appeared on Hudson’s Instagram in a Halloween post dressed as a fisherman (Belichick) reeling in a mermaid (Hudson) on a beach. Belichick commented the three-word compliment to a chorus of positive feedback. The six-time Super Bowl winner and his “biggest catch” were on hand for Thursday’s Museum Gala at the American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan – a quick turnaround for Belichick just a day after he interviewed for the vacant UNC head coaching position.

The fundraiser supports youth programming for the famed Upper West Side museum. Scarlett Johansson, Colin Jost, Michael Longfellow, and others were also on hand to support the occasion. Belichick did not don a signature hoodie for the occasion; instead, he wore a shiny black tuxedo. Hudson matched the former coach with a sleeveless black dress.

The couple met on a plane in 2021 and began dating in 2023, coinciding with the end of Belichick’s 24-year coaching stint with the Patriots. Before Hudson, the 72-year-old dated Linda Holliday, 61, for 16 years. He was married to Debb Clarke Belichick from 1977-2006, and the couple has three children.

Belichick has also been in the news this week for his recent interview with the University of North Carolina over the school’s vacant coaching position. Former Patriot and NFL All-Pro receiver Antonio Brown reacted to the news on X. ” I heard his girlfriend is a junior there #CTESPN,” he posted, poking fun at Hudson’s age.

Head Coach Brian Kelly of the LSU Tigers talks with Bill Belichick before the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Tiger Stadium

Bill Belichick speaks to LSU head coach Brian Kelly as the former NFL man considers a move to the college ranks ( 

Image:

Getty Images)

UNC recently fired the 73-year-old Mac Brown from the position amid a poor 6-6 season. Former Cleveland Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens is currently serving as the interim boss. Belichick could also emerge as an NFL coaching candidate this offseason. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on ‘The Pat McAfee’ show this week that as many as seven coaching vacancies could emerge this offseason.

Belichick has remained connected to college football through his son Steve, the defensive coordinator at the University of Washington. The 37-year-old works under head coach Jedd Fisch, who previously served on Belichick’s staff as a quarterbacks coach in 2020.

“Jedd’s got the whistle, I’m just here to watch, and sometimes they ask me to look at something or what I think about this or that,” Belichick said in August after a visit to Washington. “It’s really great to see these guys and Jedd’s got a great staff and is doing a great job with this program.”