North Carolina’s football program lost a second notable figure this month on Thursday, as defensive coordinator Steve Belichick resigned following a medical leave and an internal investigation.
Belichick, the son of UNC head coach Bill Belichick, has not been with the team since Aug. 6.
The school said he will officially resign when his medical leave ends on Oct. 17.
The move came after the university’s investigation into the football program, which UNC said did not uncover signs of systemic problems. Even so, the school said the review did find “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.”
UNC said Belichick’s departure closes the matter, with any “corrective actions” to be handled internally.
“Throughout the investigation, the University has been guided by the legal advice of outside counsel,” the statement read. “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.”
Belichick’s exit follows that of former North Carolina general manager Michael Lombardi, who resigned Sept. 3 after spending more than a month on administrative leave during the school’s investigation.
When Belichick first went on medical leave, Bill Belichick did not mention any investigation.
“Steve is on medical leave,” Belichick had said then. “Look forward to getting him back as soon as possible.”
UNC did not say exactly what led to Steve Belichick’s resignation. Local station WRAL reported he was under investigation for drug use and doing drugs with players, but North Carolina has not confirmed that report.
There had also been speculation that Steve Belichick was lined up as a coach-in-waiting when his father arrived in Chapel Hill, but the university repeatedly denied that rumor. The school said there was no indication he was set to become the next UNC coach.
For now, Bill Belichick is expected to keep calling the plays after North Carolina opened 2-0.
“We coach the defense collectively as a staff,” Belichick said last month. “We'll continue to do that. Those coaches are involved with everybody.”
It remains unclear whether he will hand off more of those duties now that the situation has become more settled.
UNC’s statement on Thursday also announced a separate disciplinary move, suspending wide receiver Keeyun Chapman indefinitely in connection with an incident Tuesday night.
Chapman was arrested Tuesday, Sept. 16, in Chapel Hill on a misdemeanor charge of carrying a concealed handgun after a traffic stop involving a teammate. Tar Heels wide receiver C.J. Sadler was cited for speeding, according to police reports.
“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,” the statement read. “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.”
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