UNC football coach asserts program follows rules amid investigation

North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick told reporters on Monday that he believes his football program "totally" has an atmosphere of following rules, emphasizing that everyone, including himself, is responsible for doing things properly. > "Obviously everybody’s responsible, including me, for doing things properly," Belichick said. > "And we intend to do that."

University communications vice chancellor Dean Stoyer issued a statement backing Belichick, saying the university continues to support him and the football program. The team had just returned from a season-opening win against TCU in Ireland when the investigation, led by UNC’s Office of University Counsel, intensified.

The probe follows the recent resignation of general manager Michael Lombardi, who had been placed on paid administrative leave in late July. An attorney for Lombardi indicated that the investigation now includes questions about potential inappropriate relationships unrelated to his client. A human-resources complaint from a former employee was also linked to Lombardi’s leave, according to anonymous sources.

During a 20-minute press conference, reporters spent the first 13 minutes asking about the program’s compliance culture and Belichick’s control over it. Belichick responded that those familiar with the daily operations would see the compliance culture firsthand. He also noted a supportive relationship with university officials, adding that the program will make any necessary corrections.

The Tar Heels have experienced a mixed first season under Belichick, with more double-digit losses than wins and an assistant coach briefly suspended for NCAA violations. Running back Benjamin Hall said the team remains focused on internal improvement and is not distracted by media coverage.

The upcoming home debut against East Tennessee State will be the next test for the program as it seeks to move past the investigation and on-field challenges.