North Carolina football assistant coach Armond Hawkins “has been suspended for violating NCAA rules related to extra benefits,” the school announced in an emailed statement Oct. 9.
A cornerbacks coach for Bill Belchick’s Tar Heels (2-3, 0-1 ACC), Hawkins was a former recruiting analyst and secondary coach at the University of Washington alongside defensive coordinator Steve Belichick.
According to the statement released by UNC Athletics, Hawkins “will remain on leave as the Department of Athletics further investigates other potential actions detrimental to the team and university.”
Reports of Hawkins’ suspension started to surface Oct. 7, with The Athletic reporting the extra-benefits allegations involved providing a player’s family members sideline passes for a game.
Following rumors about the future of Bill Belichick and UNC football, Belichick and athletic director Bubba Cunningham released a joint statement on Oct. 8. The 73-year-old coach said he’s “fully committed” to the Tar Heels and what his staff is “building here” in Chapel Hill.
Cunningham said Belichick has the “full support” of the athletics department and university.
Following its off week, the Tar Heels play at Cal on Oct. 17, in a game that kicks off at 10:30 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN.
Rodd Baxley covers North Carolina Tar Heels athletics for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Got questions regarding UNC? Send them torbaxley@fayobserver.com.
