There is little to nothing in sports television that is truly “behind the scenes” anymore. Hard Knocks gave way to Quarterback, allowing access to The Clubhouse and beyond. Between documentaries and social media, fans now have more access than ever to their favorite teams. The next contestant in the sports documentary spin cycle: Bill Belichick and the University of North Carolina.
The Tar Heels and EverWonder Studio are reportedly shooting a season-long series to stream on Hulu. Following the signing of new head football coach Bill Belichick, the school is looking to capitalize on the attention surrounding Belichick’s arrival.
With no word on how much access the university will allow, the real question isn’t about football. The only way this documentary will cut through is by showing Belichick’s relationship with Jordon Hudson. But will it?
Ask yourself this: For the national college football fan, is there more interest in the University of North Carolina football program or its new head coach? These are two separate items, and they are not one and the same. Especially if you’ve followed the headlines since Belichick’s hire, it’s more about his personal life than his work on the field.
Viewers Want Belichick, Not Tar Heels
Belichick is a national figure who warrants attention. He’s making his first venture into college football after a Hall of Fame career in the NFL. Few head coaches return to college football after winning six Super Bowl championships. Most head to the golf course or land a television gig.
Belichick already tested the TV waters as an analyst on The Pat McAfee Show last year. While charisma isn’t his strong suit, he adapted well to the McAfee program, offering insight from a unique perspective. He also joined Peyton and Eli Manning on the Manningcast, providing real-time analysis during Monday Night Football broadcasts.
After 45 years on NFL sidelines, Belichick’s passion called him back. So did a ten-million-dollar paycheck from the University of North Carolina. Now 73, the six-time Super Bowl champion head coach is heading to Chapel Hill with little attention on what actually happens on the field.
In media, the adage holds true: sex sells. A high-profile head coach dating a 24-year-old ex-beauty queen draws attention far beyond the average Tar Heel football fan. It’s no surprise HBO initially wanted to produce a Hard Knocks series covering Belichick’s hire and preparing for his first season at North Carolina.
HBO wasn’t interested in Gio Lopez’s transfer from South Alabama or Kobe Paysour’s senior year at wideout. HBO wanted eyeballs. HBO wanted drama. That’s what Hard Knocks was, is, and will always be.
Would North Carolina be able to control what HBO shot, edited, and produced? According to reports, that’s exactly why HBO and Belichick parted ways.
The Jordon Hudson Effect
The issue centered on Jordon Hudson. Reports indicated Hudson demanded content approval and partial ownership of the program. HBO discovered Hudson was already in talks with EverWonder as the docuseries announcement loomed.
Now, Carolina football is headed to Hulu, produced by EverWonder. No wonder Hudson shared the news on her Instagram page blowing a kiss. She got what she wanted all along.
What will this Hulu series focus on?
“It’s going to feature the players working hard, which you guys do,” Belichick said in a video announcing the series. “It’s about the players improving and getting better through their hard work, which you do, and the program starting from where it started from seven months ago to wherever it’s going to go through the course of the season, which, of course, will be determined on the field, alright.”
Wow. Stellar sales pitch, coach.
If past trends are any guide, the North Carolina football series on Hulu will be as eventful as its head coach is personable: dry, predictable, and something fans have already seen repeatedly.
It’s All About the Coach in College
In college sports, the head coach is the biggest personality fans follow. Belichick ranks among the top ten highest-paid college coaches, despite not having a win yet. This offseason, every “top storyline” article centered on Belichick—not his on-field performance, but his off-field life.
In an era where transparency is expected, why watch a North Carolina series without a Jordon Hudson storyline? If the offseason is any indication, access to the coach’s relationship with Hudson will be limited.
It began with a CBS Sunday Morning profile, in which Hudson insisted the relationship was off-limits. Later, Channing Crowder claimed Hudson choreographed Belichick’s interview on The Pivot, only for the comments to disappear. Eventually, Hard Knocks dropped North Carolina, reportedly due to Hudson’s influence.
This Hulu series could perfectly showcase the journey, drama, and work behind a football program, while revealing the man leading it. But it’s clear Hudson will influence the storylines.
With control over the narrative, the series could offer genuine transparency. If there’s nothing compelling, there’s no reason for the country to tune in.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
