North Carolina assistant coach Armond Hawkins has reportedly been suspended following allegations of providing players with extra benefits. The news came to light on Monday, amid growing scrutiny of the North Carolina football program under head coach Bill Belichick.

According to The Athletic, Hawkins’ suspension is related to an NCAA violation involving sideline passes given to a player’s family. This issue was highlighted in a lengthy WRAL report detailing frustrations during Belichick’s first year leading the Tar Heels.

The WRAL story revealed that some transfers recruited by Belichick received preferential treatment, including special parking privileges and extra game tickets for themselves and their families. Notably, Khmori House and Thaddeus Dixon—who previously played for Steve Belichick at the University of Washington—were frequently mentioned in discussions about these benefits. Dixon’s family reportedly has access to the field on game days, a privilege not extended to other players’ families.

Armond Hawkins joined North Carolina from Washington alongside defensive coordinator Steve Belichick. Prior to that, Hawkins worked as a defensive analyst at Washington in 2024 and has experience at Arizona, Colorado, and USC.

The Tar Heels currently hold a 2-3 record heading into their second and final bye week of the season. Their only wins this year came against FCS opponent Richmond and Charlotte, one of the weakest teams in the FBS. UNC has been heavily outscored in their three losses to TCU, UCF, and Clemson, with the Tigers leading 28-3 by the first quarter in their recent 38-10 victory at Chapel Hill.

The concerns about Hawkins are not the only troubling revelations from the WRAL report regarding Belichick’s program. Multiple sources told WRAL that Bill Belichick did not meet with returning players for several weeks after being hired in December. Additionally, one source revealed that Steve Belichick, now in his second year as a college defensive coordinator, has had little direct communication with most defensive players.

Steve Belichick took over Washington’s defense in 2024, following his father Bill Belichick’s departure from the New England Patriots. As the UNC program navigates these challenges, the team and coaching staff remain under close observation.
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/report-north-carolina-assistant-coach-suspended-for-allegedly-giving-a-players-family-extra-sideline-passes-235830721.html