Bill Belichick's Sideline Interview Draws Criticism

VSiN's Jonathan Von Tobel criticized Bill Belichick, calling the former NFL coach an "unprofessional" and "a-hole" following an awkward sideline interview with ESPN reporter Stormy Buonantony during the North Carolina-Clemson game on September 19, 2026. The Tar Heels lost the matchup to the Tigers 28-20.

During the broadcast, Buonantony conducted an interview with Belichick, who was then coaching UNC. The interaction was characterized by what many have described as Belichick's signature terse responses, providing Buonantony with minimal information. Despite the circumstances, Buonantony initially framed the experience positively, telling her broadcast partner that she "made it out alive" and noting Belichick had been more open with the crew days prior.

However, during an episode of VSiN's "Money Moves," Von Tobel expressed his strong disapproval of Belichick's demeanor towards his co-host. "Bill Belichick was a complete and total a-hole to you. It was absolutely ridiculous," Von Tobel stated, according to Awful Announcing. He defended Buonantony, highlighting her past support for him and asserting that Belichick's behavior was unprofessional. Von Tobel added, "He is an absolute jerk, and especially somebody who had worked in media briefly but still had done it. Had talked and connected with you the day prior and did that to you. That is stupid. He is an a-hole, and I hope that all of you will agree with me on this."

The loss marked UNC's first of the season. The team is preparing for a bye week before facing No. 3 Notre Dame on October 3. This incident follows news that Belichick's son, Steve Belichick, resigned as UNC's defensive coordinator after a school investigation into the program's culture.