UNC football general manager resigns amid investigation into staff conduct

Michael Lombardi, the university's highest-paid football general manager, resigned on Thursday after being placed on paid administrative leave in late July. The university said the resignation will allow the program to focus on the upcoming 2026 season while an ongoing investigation proceeds.

Lawyers hired by UNC are now questioning individuals about defensive coordinator Steve Belichick's alleged drug use on the job and possible provision of drugs to players. Separate inquiries concern reports of a sexual relationship between a recruiting staff member and at least one player, as well as potential relationships involving assistant coaches.

"I want to thank Chancellor Lee Roberts and Bill Belichick for the opportunity to serve as the GM of UNC Football," Lombardi said in a statement released through his attorney. "I have decided it’s best for me to resign my position as GM to allow the team to focus on the ’26 season."

The university said it will continue the investigation and consider appropriate corrective actions based on the information it gathers. The probe, overseen by UNC’s Office of University Counsel, is being conducted by Barnes & Thornburg attorneys Nate Huff and McNair Nichols, who have previously handled complex internal investigations for the school.

"If something is wrong, we want to know about it. If something needs to be fixed, we will be sure to fix it," Chancellor Roberts said in July when the investigation was announced.

Steve Belichick, 39, who joined the program after a stint at the University of Washington and earlier work with his father’s NFL teams, is on medical leave. He has not responded to requests for comment.

The investigation also examines whether any staff members violated university policies that prohibit romantic relationships between employees and students or athletes, and whether any illicit drug activity occurred on campus. UNC has not disclosed specific details of the allegations or the scope of the inquiry.

Lombardi's attorney, Tom Mars, described the investigation as a "witch hunt" and suggested it may be a "snipe hunt" aimed at generating billable hours. The university indicated that Lombardi complied with the investigative process and that his contract allows termination without further payment if cause is found.

The football program, led by head coach Bill Belichick, recently recorded a 15-10 win over TCU in Dublin, Ireland. UNC's next game is scheduled for Sept. 12 against East Tennessee State.