UNC football adjusts duties as GM Michael Lombardi placed on paid leave amid investigation

North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick told reporters on Thursday that the football program is reassigning internal duties while general manager Michael Lombardi remains on paid administrative leave. The university announced Lombardi’s leave earlier in the week but did not disclose the reason, citing standard personnel-matter procedures.

According to two sources familiar with the matter, a human-resources complaint filed by a former employee is part of the investigation. University policy allows an administrative leave of up to 30 days, depending on the issues under review.

Athletic director Steve Newmark said the school will let the process run its course, emphasizing the need for a “full and fair review” and to avoid compromising the integrity of the investigation. Chancellor Lee Roberts added that the administration learned of “some concerns” last week and affirmed a commitment to address any problems that arise.

Belichick did not detail how Lombardi’s responsibilities are being divided among staff, noting only that “a few adjustments” have been made. The football team’s focus now shifts to on-field work, building on the roster Lombardi helped assemble for the season-opening game against TCU in Dublin.

Lombardi, hired by Belichick shortly after the coach’s December 2024 appointment, previously served as the Cleveland Browns’ general manager and signed a three-year contract worth $1.5 million per year, making him the highest-paid college football GM according to a salary database. His earlier comments about running the program like an NFL franchise have not translated into on-field success, as the Tar Heels posted five double-digit losses and four wins in Belichick’s first season.