Bill Belichick is usually the guy scowling on a sideline in a gray hoodie with the sleeves hacked off. You don't expect him to be "Instagram boyfriend" material. But things changed fast. By the time Bill Belichick Halloween 2024 rolled around, the six-time Super Bowl champion was living a completely different life. No playbook. No 6:00 AM film sessions at Gillette Stadium. Just a fishing rod, a yellow raincoat, and a mermaid.
It's weird seeing a legend pivot.
On October 31, 2024, the internet basically melted when Jordon Hudson, Belichick’s 24-year-old girlfriend, dropped a series of photos on Instagram. They weren't at a high-end gala or a boring NFL fundraiser. They were on a beach. Belichick was decked out as a classic fisherman—think Gorton’s Fisherman vibes—complete with a wide-brimmed hat and a cigar clamped in his teeth.
Hudson? She was the "catch." She posed as a mermaid, sprawling in the surf with a shimmering tail while Bill "reeled" her in.
Why the Bill Belichick Halloween 2024 Costume Went Viral
People couldn't help themselves. The comments sections were a war zone of "LFG Bill" and "This is gross." The 48-year age gap is the elephant in the room that never really leaves. Honestly, though, Bill didn't seem to care. He even hopped into the comments himself, writing, "My biggest catch!!!"
That’s a level of public affection we never saw in New England.
👉 See also: Tottenham vs FC Barcelona: Why This Matchup Still Matters in 2026
The Costume Breakdown
If you looked closely at the gear, it wasn't some cheap Spirit Halloween bag outfit. Bill had the heavy-duty yellow slicker and the boots. It looked authentic.
- The Fisherman: Belichick wore a weathered hat, a bright yellow raincoat over jeans, and rugged black boots.
- The Mermaid: Hudson wore a detailed, scaled tail with shades of orange and red, paired with a bejeweled top.
- The Vibe: Total "gone fishin'" energy, which is ironic because, for the first time in decades, Bill actually was out of a job.
Earlier that same week, Hudson was spotted at Disney World wearing a cropped New York Giants t-shirt and those infamous "short-shorts" Bill used to wear as a young coordinator in the 80s. She's clearly leaning into the bit. It's self-aware. It’s kinda funny if you stop being cynical for a second.
A Legacy of Spooky Season
Most fans think Bill hates fun. That’s not actually true. He’s a notorious Halloween enthusiast. Remember the Randy Moss story? Back in 2007, Moss invited Bill to a team Halloween party at a roller rink. Everyone thought the coach would ignore the invite or show up and glare at people.
Instead, he showed up as a full-blown pirate.
He even wore the eyepatch and the tricorn hat. He spent the night skating around with his then-wife, Debby. So, the Bill Belichick Halloween 2024 moment wasn't some mid-life crisis move. It was just a guy who finally had the free time to go all-out without a Week 9 game against the Jets hanging over his head.
✨ Don't miss: Buddy Hield Sacramento Kings: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
The Contrast with Linda Holliday
It’s worth noting that Bill’s ex, Linda Holliday, didn't stay quiet during the holiday either. She posted her own costume: Beatrix Kiddo from Kill Bill. She had the yellow tracksuit and the samurai sword.
Subtle? Not really.
The timing felt pointed, especially with Bill and Jordon making headlines every other day. It was a classic "social media standoff" played out through costumes and captions.
What This Says About the "New" Bill
In 2024, we saw a version of Belichick that the media never got access to. He joined Instagram (he calls it "SnapFace" as a joke, but he actually uses it). He started appearing on The Pat McAfee Show and the ManningCast. He became a media darling.
This Halloween shoot was the pinnacle of that transformation.
🔗 Read more: Why the March Madness 2022 Bracket Still Haunts Your Sports Betting Group Chat
The old Bill would have found this "a distraction." The new Bill is signing deals with Underdog Fantasy and appearing in Dunkin' commercials. He’s humanizing himself. Maybe he’s doing it to stay relevant for the 2025 hiring cycle, or maybe he’s just genuinely enjoying the fact that he doesn't have to worry about a salary cap for a few months.
What’s Next for the Coach?
Now that the 2024 season is in the rearview, the conversation is shifting from his costumes to his career. He’s still 15 wins shy of Don Shula’s all-time record. You can bet he wants that.
If you're following the "Belichick Watch," here is what you need to look for next:
- Keep an eye on the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles situations. Those are the big-market teams he’s been linked to for a 2025 return.
- Watch his appearances on the ACC Network. He’s been diving deep into college ball lately, especially with his ties to UNC.
- Check out the Inside the NFL segments. He’s actually providing real, tactical insight there that proves his brain is still miles ahead of most active coaches.
Whether you love the fisherman/mermaid photos or find them cringey, you can't deny the guy is winning his "gap year." He’s healthy, he’s wealthy, and he’s clearly not missing the stress of a 2-10 Patriots season.
Your next move: If you're looking to track his potential 2025 landing spots, start by monitoring the coaching carousels in the NFC East. That’s where the real smoke is. Also, give his Instagram a follow—if only to see if he tries to top the fisherman look next year.