Bill Belichick broke his silence on the administrative leave of UNC football general manager Michael Lombardi as the Tar Heels opened training camp ahead of their season opener against TCU.
Lombardi was placed on paid administrative leave on July 27 following an internal human resources complaint filed by a former staffer. He joined Belichick in Chapel Hill after the eight-time Super Bowl champion made the move to college football in December 2024.
Asked about Lombardi’s absence and how front-office duties are being delegated, Belichick gave a measured response. “We’re at a particular time of the year now where there are certain things that are in play, and certain things that are in play that will happen later in the calendar year,” he said. “So we’re taking it day to day and working through the things that are on the table right now.” When asked how losing his top executive affects daily operations, he added: “We’ve made a few adjustments, yeah. But I mean we’re working through the process.”
UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts made clear the situation has frustrated university leadership. “I’m disappointed that we’re talking about this,” Roberts told reporters. “We should be focusing on our student-athletes and on their success on the field and on all of the wonderful things that happen at this university every day.” He described it as “distressing” to him and other administrators that they have been forced to spend time on the matter.
The university confirmed that its Office of University Counsel is conducting a formal investigation into the allegations against Lombardi. Details remain confidential because the matter involves personnel issues, the university said.
Lombardi has retained sports attorney Tom Mars, who released a statement denying wrongdoing. Mars said his client “hasn’t been told anything about the nature of UNC’s investigation and welcomes the opportunity to clear his name.” He added that Lombardi “is fully cooperating with UNC and expects the investigation will be swift, thorough, and fair.”
The off-field turmoil follows a difficult debut season for Belichick, with UNC posting a 4-8 record in 2025. Lombardi and Belichick first worked together in 1987 when Belichick was at the Cleveland Browns.
