Former New England Patriots All-Pro Asante Samuel is calling out Bill Belichick for what he sees as a shift in the coach’s messaging, saying the NFL coaching great is now breaking the same rules he once enforced while in Foxboro.
During an exclusive interview with TMZ Sports this week, Samuel said Belichick’s public relationship with Jordon Hudson, along with the attention it has drawn stands in contrast his Patriots tenure.
“Coach is being a hypocrite, man,” Samuel said. “He told us to stay off and don’t have family distractions and things like that. Coach got all this stuff going on! Coach, where did this come from? Why wasn’t we able to enjoy ourselves like this now that you want to enjoy yourself!”
Belichick’s was the architect of New England’s Super Bowl dynasty and enforced discipline by minimizing noise. Samuel said it’s ironic to see Belichick operate differently now, though he added he believes people ultimately deserve happiness.
“Whatever that looks like, just be happy,” Samuel said. “If it’s gonna be a little embarrassing, and you don’t mind, and y’all are happy together and it’s authentic, go with it.”
Samuel’s comments come as Belichick addressed speculation regarding a potential NFL return. After his name surfaced in connection with the New York Giants vacancy following the firing of Brian Daboll, Belichick issued a statement Friday denying any interest.
“Despite circulating rumors, I have not and will not pursue any NFL head coaching vacancies,” he said.
Belichick, who won six Super Bowls with the Patriots and two with the Giants as a defensive coordinator, said he remains committed at North Carolina. The Tar Heels have won two straight to improve to 4-5. They'll need to win two of the next three to be in postseason contention.
“My focus remains solely on continuing to improve this team,” Belichick said. “We have tremendous support … and I’m committed to building a program that makes Tar Heel fans proud.”
North Carolina faces Wake Forest on Saturday evening (4:30 p.m. ET, The CW).
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