Bill Belichick avoids specifics as North Carolina launches probe into GM Michael Lombardi

UNC HC Bill Belichick joins Colin Cowherd to discuss how he’s building a culture at UNC, and what the differences are between coaching in the NFL and in College.

Before North Carolina played its first game under Bill Belichick, off-field headlines largely drowned out the football conversation.

Now, as fall camp ramps up ahead of the former NFL coach's second season, questions are again swirling about matters away from the field. UNC officials confirmed earlier this week that general manager Michael Lombardi had been placed on leave pending an investigation. School officials announced Thursday that the probe had formally begun.

Details of the investigation remain sparse, and Belichick did little to clarify matters, appearing to sidestep questions about how Lombardi’s indefinite absence could affect the team.

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North Carolina Tar Heels general manager Michael Lombardi talks with head coach Bill Belichick before a college football game against the Richmond Spiders at Kenan Memorial Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Lance King/Getty Images)

During a news conference, Belichick declined to directly address the situation. "We're working through some things," he said.

"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. So we're taking it day to day and work through the things that are on the table right now."

Shortly before Belichick made those comments, UNC issued a statement saying that "as a result of concerns behind allegations that led to the personnel action regarding Michael Lombardi announced on July 27, the University of