UNC defensive coordinator Steve Belichick placed on indefinite medical leave

North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick said on Thursday that his son, defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, has been placed on indefinite medical leave and will be unavailable for coaching duties. The announcement came ahead of the Tar Heels' season-opening game against TCU in Ireland on Aug. 29, but no timeline for his return was provided.

The news generated a wave of well-wishes on the social platform X, with users and former players expressing hopes for a swift recovery. One user wrote, "Football can wait. Here’s hoping Steve Belichick makes a quick and complete recovery," while another posted, "Get well soon, Steve." Former U.S. national-team player Taylor Twellman also said, "Hope he's ok."

Steve Belichick, who previously played lacrosse and served as a long snapper at Rutgers, joined his father's New England Patriots staff in 2012 and later held defensive coaching positions with the Washington Huskies before moving to Chapel Hill. In his first season with the Tar Heels, his defense ranked 11th nationally in limiting big plays.

The program is also dealing with the recent leave of general manager Michael Lombardi as an investigation into his conduct continues.