One of Bill Belichick’s closest allies at North Carolina has resigned his position.
Michael Lombardi, who previously served as the general manager of the Tar Heels, has resigned his position, according to Pete Thamel of ESPN. Lombardi had previously been on leave amid an internal investigation.
Sources: UNC football GM Michael Lombardi has resigned from his position. He’d been on paid leave in the wake of an internal investigation. pic.twitter.com/dpEv5rzguO
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 3, 2026
Lombardi had been Belichick’s hand-picked choice to run his program when he took over as head coach in 2025. The former NFL Network analyst is a longtime Belichick confidant, having served as an assistant to the coaching staff with the New England Patriots from 2014 to 2016.
Lombardi was placed on administrative leave in July after he was the subject of a complaint filed with the school’s human resources department. While the nature of the investigation is unknown publicly, Lombardi has denied any wrongdoing.
The Lombardi situation is the latest example of the chaotic reputation Belichick’s Tar Heel program has garnered over the last year. There are questions about other staffers as well, as Belichick’s son Steve is also unable to fulfill his duties as defensive coordinator.
