North Carolina Football GM Michael Lombardi, Longtime Bill Belichick Adviser, Placed on Administrative Leave
The university gave no reason for the move as WRAL News investigates why Lombardi was placed on leave.
- On Monday, the University of North Carolina placed football general manager Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave, effective immediately, without disclosing a specific reason for the decision.
- Lombardi joined the North Carolina Tar Heels in December 2024 alongside head coach Bill Belichick, earning $1.5 million annually as the highest-paid college football general manager.
- Before joining the Tar Heels, Lombardi spent more than 30 years in NFL front offices including Cleveland and New England, though he faced criticism in February 2025 for calling the program the "33rd NFL team."
- UNC vice chancellor Dean Stoyer said personnel matters are prohibited from further discussion, stating the decision "has no reflection on the merits" and the university provided no additional information.
- The Tar Heels open their season on August 29 against Texas Christian University in Dublin, with Coach Belichick expected to address media following Thursday's second fall practice.
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105 Articles
Bill Belichick says Tar Heels adjusting duties with GM under investigation
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North Carolina coach Bill Belichick opened his second preseason camp Thursday saying the program is adjusting internal duties with general manager Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave and the subject of a school investigation.
Belichick says Tar Heels adjusting duties with GM under investigation
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick says his program is adjusting internal duties with general manager Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave and the subject of a school investigation. Belichick spoke to reporters as the Tar Heels opened a second preseason…
UNC AD, Bill Belichick address GM Michael Lombardi investigation
North Carolina football general manager Michael Lombardi could learn his fate with the program before the start of the 2026 season. UNC athletic director Steve Newmark said no hard timeline was in place for the Office of University Counsel to comple...
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