Stephen A. Smith told PEOPLE how he thought the drama surrounding Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson's relationship would impact his debut season as head coach at the University of North Carolina. The couple,

Belichick, 73, and Hudson, 24, immediately captured headlines when they went public with their relationship last year. Their 49-year age gap is notable, clearly, but this is hardly the first time a prominent public figure has dated someone decades younger. So why is this particular May-December relationship captivating the country?

Amid reported concerns about his girlfriend's role in his professional life, North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick is reportedly exploring outside public relations assistance.