North Carolina has moved on from defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, who resigned effective Oct. 27 as the school wrapped up an independent investigation into the culture and climate of its football program.
The university announced the decision Thursday and said Belichick, 39, has been on medical leave since early August. He 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 to its policy on personnel matters. In its statement, the school said the probe found that "certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina's values and standards of conduct," while also saying those actions were isolated and not evidence of a broader breakdown in the program.
The university said it now views the investigation as closed, though it added that it would review any credible new information that comes in.
According to WRAL, the investigation covered Belichick and former general manager Michael Lombardi. WRAL also reported that outside lawyers asked 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 release.
Lombardi resigned Sept. 3 after 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."
Steve Belichick was in his second season as UNC’s defensive coordinator after joining his father in Chapel Hill in 2025. Before that, he spent one season as Washington’s defensive coordinator after more than a decade on the New England Patriots’ coaching staff.
UNC never named an interim defensive coordinator during his absence, instead spreading the duties across the defensive staff. Bill Belichick is believed to be handling the play-calling.
"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."
That setup has worked early. 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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