Michael Lombardi resigns as GM of UNC football team - ESPN

Michael Lombardi, a top aide to coach Bill Belichick, has resigned as the general manager of North Carolina's football team, the school said Thursday.

Lombardi had been on paid leave in the wake of an internal investigation into a human resources complaint filed by a former UNC front office employee, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported in late July.

The university said Thursday that it will «continue its ongoing investigation and will consider all appropriate corrective actions responsive to the information it learns.»

In a statement, Lombardi thanked UNC chancellor Lee Roberts and Belichick «for the opportunity to serve as the GM of UNC Football,» adding that he made his decision «to allow the team to focus on the '26 season.»

Lombardi joined Belichick at UNC in December 2024, reuniting with the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach. He worked under Belichick with the New England Patriots from 2014 to 2016, and before that with the Cleveland Browns starting in 1987.

Lombardi faced scrutiny on multiple occasions during his time in Chapel Hill, including in February 2025, when he boasted that the Tar Heels «consider ourselves the 33rd NFL team.» He also made headlines last September when he informed the Patriots that their scouts would be banned from access to the Tar Heels' program.

UNC gave Lombardi a salary of $1.5 million annually, making him the highest-paid general manager among public universities when he was hired.

Lombardi did not travel with the Tar Heels for their opener last weekend in Ireland against TCU. UNC won 15-10, avenging a 48-14 loss to the Horned Frogs in Belichick's Tar Heels debut last year.