The coach apparently even discussed Hudson with his players to reassure them of where his focus is. As former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman has said, this is the kind of distraction Belichick once loathed.

In March, Matt Hartman of The Assembly reported that, per a FOIA request, Belichick asked the UNC staff to copy Hudson on emails sent to his inbox. Belichick confirmed his request this month and explained the need for Hudson to oversee his inbox.