UNC football defensive coordinator Steve Belichick is resigning from his role, according to a release from the university on Thursday — which also revealed the conclusion of its independent investigation into the Tar Heel program.
The statement, shared by UNC Vice Chancellor for Communications and Marketing Dean Stoyer, said the investigation into allegations of various violations within the program found “certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina’s values and standards of conduct.” While not saying Belichick or former general manager Michael Lombardi by name as directly responsible, the statement said the actions in question “were isolated in scope and not a systemic failure.”
“Throughout the investigation, the University has been guided by the legal advice of outside counsel,” read the message from Stoyer. “All necessary corrective actions are now underway and will be overseen by Carolina Athletics and the Office of University Counsel. With these actions, the University considers the investigation to be resolved. Consistent with University policy regarding personnel matters, there will be no further comment on individuals. As always, should credible new information arise, the University will evaluate it and take appropriate action consistent with its policies and responsibilities.”
Belichick — the son of UNC’s head coach Bill Belichick, who was hired to coach alongside his father when Bill was picked to lead the program in December 2024 — has been away from the team on medical leave since early August, and did not participate in the final preseason practices nor Carolina’s first two games. The statement said Steve will resign upon the conclusion of his medical leave on October 27.
The university’s investigation began in July when UNC placed Lombardi onto administrative leave, which was reported by several outlets to stem from a human resources complaint. At the time, Lombardi was the highest-paid general manager in college football, having been the first hired Belichick made since arriving in Chapel Hill. He ultimately resigned on September 3 — with the university sharing that news minutes before WRAL published a report on the scope of UNC’s investigation widening to look at the entire football program. According to the television station, the lawyers conducting the review questioned whether Steve Belichick used drugs on the job or supplied drugs to a player, as well as investigating potential sexual relationships between staff members and among staff and players.
The full statement from UNC on Thursday morning reads:
The University has concluded a thorough and independent investigation into allegations related to culture and climate within the Carolina football program.
The investigation determined that certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina’s values and standards of conduct. The investigation also found that these actions were isolated in scope and not a systemic failure.
As the University previously announced, General Manager Michael Lombardi resigned from the program effective September 3. Steve Belichick has resigned from his position of defensive coordinator, effective October 27, 2026, following the conclusion of his current medical leave.
Throughout the investigation, the University has been guided by the legal advice of outside counsel. All necessary corrective actions are now underway and will be overseen by Carolina Athletics and the Office of University Counsel. With these actions, the University considers the investigation to be resolved.
Consistent with University policy regarding personnel matters, there will be no further comment on individuals. As always, should credible new information arise, the University will evaluate it and take appropriate action consistent with its policies and responsibilities.
Separately, Carolina Football has suspended Keeyun Chapman from the team indefinitely in connection with an incident Tuesday night.
Chapman’s suspension, like the actions resulting from the investigation, reflect the University’s commitment to accountability and the well-being of its student athletes. We believe the steps announced today will help make Carolina Football a stronger program and one that continues to earn the pride of the entire Carolina community.
Under Steve Belichick’s coaching, the Tar Heels defense gave up 24.5 points per game in 2025 (8th in ACC) and nearly 337 yards per game (7th in ACC) en route to a 4-8 record. Through two games in 2026, UNC has allowed just 10 points to TCU and 3 points to ETSU with the opponents averaging 268 yards per game.
Chapman’s suspension comes after he was arrested during a traffic stop in Chapel Hill Tuesday night. The freshman wide receiver is charged with carrying a concealed handgun, which is a misdemeanor charge. During the same traffic stop, teammate C.J. Sadler was cited for speeding, which the officer reported as driving 60 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone. Approximately 15 grams of marijuana were also seized from Sadler’s vehicle. Sadler has not been suspended, but he is designated as out for UNC’s game at Clemson Saturday.
Featured photo via UNC Athletics Communications.
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