UNC football general manager Michael Lombardi resigns amid ongoing investigation

Michael Lombardi resigned as general manager of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's football program, effective September 3, 2026, as the school continues an internal investigation. The university said it will consider corrective actions based on the findings.

The probe, conducted by outside lawyers, is reportedly examining allegations that defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, son of head coach Bill Belichick, used or supplied drugs to a player, as well as claims of sexual relationships between recruiting staff, assistant coaches and at least one player. UNC officials have also questioned whether a member of the recruiting staff had a sexual relationship with a player.

Lombardi, who had been on paid leave since July, said in a statement through attorney Tom Mars that his resignation allows the team to focus on the season. Mars previously described the investigation as a "witch hunt," arguing that if the university had grounds to fire Lombardi for cause, it would have done so without a prolonged inquiry.

Lombardi, hired when Bill Belichick took the UNC job after the 2024 season, was earning $1.5 million, making him the highest-paid general manager in college football. He was in the second year of a three-year contract.

Steve Belichick, who joined UNC after a stint as Washington's defensive coordinator, is currently on medical leave. The investigation also looks into other past incidents involving the program, including a previous suspension of an assistant coach for providing unauthorized sideline passes.

The university has not disclosed any conclusions from the investigation, and the football team continues its 2026 season, having opened with a 15-10 win over TCU in Dublin.