Belichick slipped in right before the event started to grab a front-row seat all the way to the right of the stage. The 73-year-old coach looked to be wearing a collared shirt, tie and dark jacket. The 24-year-old Hudson represented her hometown of Hancock as she competed in the swimsuit and evening gown events.

Amid media fanfare, the North Carolina football coach watched his girlfriend compete at the state pageant.

Neither Hudson nor Belichick made any public comments at the event, but his presence reinforced the personal part of their relationship.