UNC football program faces staff departures after internal culture probe

University of North Carolina announced Thursday that an internal investigation into the "culture and climate" of its football program had been completed. The review found actions that violated the university's values but described them as isolated incidents rather than evidence of a systemic problem. Following the findings, defensive coordinator Steve Belichick resigned, becoming the second senior staff member to leave in recent weeks after associate athletic director Michael Lombardi stepped down amid a separate personnel inquiry.

Local outlet WRAL reported that investigators had examined allegations of drug use within the program and a possible sexual relationship between a staff member and a player. The university did not disclose further details. The Atlantic cited sources saying Lombardi's departure was linked to minor recruiting violations that, while not grounds for dismissal, had strained relationships with donors and department officials.

The coaching staff includes several of Bill Belichick's former NFL associates, including his sons Steve and Brian Belichick and longtime colleague Michael Lombardi, who was hired to run the program in a manner similar to an NFL operation. The Tar Heels have struggled on the field, posting a 2-6 record in ACC play and ranking near the bottom of Division I offenses.

University officials emphasized that the identified misconduct does not reflect a broader cultural failure and that steps will be taken to ensure compliance with institutional standards moving forward.