North Carolina’s preparations for the 2026 season took another hit Thursday, with defensive coordinator Steve Belichick away from the program on medical leave as the Tar Heels head toward their Ireland opener against TCU.
Bill Belichick confirmed the news to reporters and said he expects his son back as soon as possible, though he offered no details beyond that. Steve Belichick has been away from training camp, leaving UNC without its defensive coordinator for an indefinite stretch.
“Just want to let everyone know that my son Steve’s on medical leave, and look forward to getting him back as soon as possible,” the elder Belichick said. “It’s a medical situation so I really can’t make any further comment on that.”
With Steve Belichick out, Bill Belichick said the defense will be handled collectively by the staff in the meantime.
The timing is less than ideal for a team already dealing with a string of off-field issues. Still, the bigger concern is obvious: Steve Belichick’s health. Football can wait until the situation is clearer.
On the field, UNC’s defense gave the staff something to build on in 2025 despite a rough overall year. The Tar Heels finished ranked in the top-60 nationally, and their 4.3 yards per play allowed placed No. 30 among qualifying FBS programs.
That leaves reason to believe the unit could take another step this season, even if the Tar Heels are forced to manage without their defensive coordinator for now. For the moment, though, the priority is getting Steve Belichick back on campus and making sure he’s healthy.
UNC still has a season to open on August 29 in Ireland, and the Tar Heels will keep pushing toward that date while dealing with the latest setback.
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