North Carolina’s defensive staff is heading into a new phase after Steve Belichick resigned as defensive coordinator effective Oct. 27, the university announced Thursday while wrapping up an independent investigation into the football program’s culture and climate.
Belichick, 39, has been on medical leave since early August and will stay on leave until the resignation date arrives. UNC did not say whether his exit was voluntary or tied directly to the investigation, pointing instead to its policy on personnel matters.
The school said the probe found that “certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina's values and standards of conduct,” but also said those actions were isolated and did not amount to a systemic problem inside the program. UNC added that it considers the investigation closed, while leaving open the possibility of reviewing any credible new information that surfaces.
The investigation also involved former general manager Michael Lombardi, according to WRAL. That report said outside lawyers questioned people about alleged drug-related conduct involving Belichick and his interactions with players. UNC did not name anyone or spell out its findings in Thursday’s statement.
Lombardi resigned Sept. 3 after more than a month on paid administrative leave. His attorney, Tom Mars, had said Lombardi fully cooperated with the investigation.
Steve Belichick’s medical leave was first announced by Bill Belichick on Aug. 6, with no details given about the reason or any timeline for a return.
“Steve is on medical leave,” Belichick said at the time. “Look forward to getting him back as soon as possible.”
With Steve Belichick away, secondary coach Brian Belichick has handled the team’s defensive playcalling and is expected to take over that role permanently, CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reports. North Carolina never named an interim coordinator during the absence, instead splitting defensive duties across the staff. Bill Belichick is believed to be calling the defensive plays.
“We coach the defense collectively as a staff,” Bill Belichick said in August. “We'll continue to do that. Those coaches are involved with everybody.”
Steve Belichick was in his second season as UNC’s defensive coordinator after following his father to Chapel Hill in 2025. Before that, he spent one season coordinating Washington’s defense after more than a decade on the New England Patriots’ coaching staff.
The on-field results have started well for North Carolina. The Tar Heels are 2-0 and rank No. 21 nationally in defensive yards allowed per play, despite bringing back only 32% of their defensive snaps and three starters from last season.
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