North Carolina opened the 2026 season with an encouraging upset of TCU in Dublin, but Bill Belichick’s program is dealing with an off-field issue less than one week later.
General manager Michael Lombardi resigned Thursday, more than a month after UNC placed him on paid administrative leave while investigating a human resources complaint involving a former Tar Heels’ front-office employee.
“I want to thank Chancellor Roberts and Bill Belichick for the opportunity to serve as the GM of UNC Football,” Lombardi said in a statement. “I have decided it’s best for me to resign my position as GM to allow the team to focus on the ’26 season.”
Lombardi was one of Belichick’s most important hires after the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach took over North Carolina ahead of last season.
Belichick brought his longtime associate aboard in Dec. 2024, and Lombardi became the highest-paid general manager in college football at more than $1.5 million annually.
Lombardi’s resignation, however, has not ended the university’s inquiry.
“The University will continue its ongoing investigation and will consider all appropriate corrective actions responsive to the information it learns,” North Carolina said in its own statement.
The departure comes just after Belichick’s second season began with a much stronger result than his first. North Carolina defeated TCU 15-10 in Ireland after finishing 4-8 in 2025.
The result gave the program an early boost, only for the Tar Heels to suddenly lose one of their most prominent executives in Lombardi.
ALSO SEE:
- College Football’s Preseason All-Freshman Team for 2026
- College Football Predictions: Expert Picks for Every Game in Week 1
- 5 Best ACC QB Matchups in 2026: Kevin Jennings, Darian Mensah Top Our List
Belichick will navigate the season without the GM he personally selected to oversee roster building and personnel operations while looking for his replacement.
North Carolina next hosts ETSU on Saturday, Sept. 12, with kickoff set for Noon E.T.
