University of North Carolina football general manager Michael Lombardi resigned Thursday as an internal investigation into the program widened, according to a WRAL report and university statements.
Lombardi, a longtime associate of head coach Bill Belichick and the highest-paid general manager in college football at $1.5 million per year, had been on paid administrative leave since July 27. The school said it will continue the probe and consider “all appropriate corrective actions.”
Key findings and developments from the investigation, as reported by WRAL based on people familiar with the interviews:
- Lombardi resigned hours after WRAL questioned university officials about the expanding scope of the inquiry. In a statement released through his lawyer, Lombardi thanked Chancellor Lee Roberts and Belichick and said he was stepping down “to allow the team to focus on the ’26 season.”
- The original investigation stemmed from a human resources complaint filed by a former front-office employee. UNC’s Office of University Counsel is overseeing the review with outside lawyers from Barnes & Thornburg. Lombardi’s attorney previously called the process a “witch hunt.”
- Investigators have questioned current and former players, parents, and staff about the culture of the program under Belichick and Lombardi. They sought documents and screenshots of text messages and asked whether questionable behavior had been reported to the head coach.
- The probe has shifted toward defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, the coach’s son, who has been on medical leave since Aug. 6. Lawyers asked whether he used drugs at university facilities, whether anyone had seen him do so, and whether he provided drugs to at least one player. UNC contracts allow assistant coaches to be fired for cause for using or distributing illicit drugs. Steve Belichick did not respond to a request for comment.
- Separately, investigators asked about a purported sexual relationship between a female recruiting staff member and at least one player, as well as possible romantic relationships between assistant coaches and recruiting staff. University policy prohibits employees from evaluating or supervising anyone with whom they have had a romantic relationship. It is not yet clear whether any alleged conduct would violate those rules.
- Neither Lombardi nor Steve Belichick traveled with the team for last Saturday’s 15-10 season-opening win over TCU in Dublin. North Carolina’s next game is Sept. 12 at home against East Tennessee State.
Bill Belichick has declined to discuss specifics of personnel matters, saying the program is “taking it day to day.” Athletic director Steve Newmark and Chancellor Roberts have said the university will address any problems that are found. The investigation remains open.
