North Carolina’s defense is moving on without Steve Belichick, and the change now appears permanent.
The university announced Thursday that its defensive coordinator has resigned effective Oct. 27, closing the door on his role while UNC wrapped up an independent investigation into the culture and climate of the football program. 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 the departure was voluntary or tied directly to the investigation, pointing instead to its policy on personnel matters. In its statement, the school said the inquiry found that "certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina's values and standards of conduct," but said those actions were isolated and not proof of a broader breakdown inside the program.
The university also said it now views the investigation as finished, though it added that any credible new information that surfaces will still be reviewed.
According to WRAL, the investigation included Belichick and former general manager Michael Lombardi. WRAL previously reported that outside lawyers asked questions about alleged drug-related conduct involving Belichick and his interactions with players. UNC did not name anyone or spell out its findings in the statement released Thursday.
Lombardi resigned Sept. 3 after spending more than a month on paid administrative leave. His attorney, Tom Mars, said earlier that Lombardi had cooperated fully with the investigation.
Belichick’s medical leave was first announced by Bill Belichick on Aug. 6, though no details were given about the condition or when he might 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, UNC secondary coach Brian Belichick has been handling the defensive playcalling and, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, is expected to keep that job on a permanent basis.
The setup at UNC never included an interim coordinator. Instead, the staff split the work, and Bill Belichick has been believed to be calling the defensive plays.
He described the arrangement this way in August: "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 North Carolina’s defensive coordinator after joining his father in 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.
Even with the off-field turbulence, the defense has opened strong. North Carolina is 2-0 and ranks No. 21 nationally in defensive yards allowed per play, despite returning only 32% of its defensive snaps and three starters from last season.
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