North Carolina DC Steve Belichick resigns

Steve Belichick. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

DC Steve Belichick resigns as North Carolina closes investigation into Michael Lombardi, other allegations

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Sep 17, 2026 11:22 AM ET

North Carolina Tar Heels defensive coordinator Steve Belichick won't return to the sidelines.

ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel reported Thursday morning that Belichick, the son of North Carolina head coach Bill, is resigning. He had been on medical leave since Aug. 6. After the news broke, the school said it had closed an investigation centered on former general manager Michael Lombardi.

North Carolina releases statement on investigation

The investigation came to light after Lombardi was placed on administrative leave on July 27 after a former employee filed an HR complaint. He resigned on Sept. 3. On the heels of his resignation, WRAL-TV in Raleigh published a report revealing more allegations against the program, including questions about potential drug use by Steve Belichick and a "purported sexual relationship between a female recruiting staff member and at least one UNC player."

North Carolina didn't mention this in its statement and didn't release any findings.

Sources: Steve Belichick has resigned as North Carolina’s defensive coordinator. He’s been on medical leave since August 6. pic.twitter.com/qOqum4ZKP6
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 17, 2026

"The investigation determined that certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina's values and standards of conduct," the school said (h/t On3's Thomas Goldkamp). "The investigation also found that these actions were isolated in scope and not a systemic failure."

NEW: North Carolina's independent investigation is closed after DC Steve Belichick and GM Michael Lombardi resign, the school announced.

"The investigation determined that certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina’s values and standards of conduct. The investigation… https://t.co/MtLWy3hfdM pic.twitter.com/lvYNHS0abQ
— On3 (@On3) September 17, 2026

North Carolina seems to be trying to put this scandal behind it, but the allegations will continue to hang over the program like a dark cloud, as with many of its other issues. Previous reports of a "toxic" locker room culture had already stained the Tar Heels' reputation.

It also raises more questions about whether second-year HC Bill Belichick will last in Chapel Hill. The former New England Patriots HC went 4-8 in 2025.

This season, Belichick and Co. are off to a better start. The Tar Heels are 2-0 after victories over the TCU Horned Frogs (15-10) and the East Tennessee State Buccaneers (35-3).

North Carolina, though, is entering the teeth of its schedule. The Tar Heels open ACC play against the Clemson Tigers (1-1) on the road on Saturday (ESPN, noon ET). The team will try to forget about off-field storylines against Clemson and in subsequent matchups, but it may begin to unravel amid all the drama.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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