UNC football will have to move into training camp without one of its most important defensive voices for now.
Steve Belichick, the Tar Heels’ defensive coordinator, is on medical leave and away from the team as the program prepares for its trip to Ireland to face TCU, Bill Belichick confirmed Thursday morning.
“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.”
Bill Belichick added that the program expects Steve Belichick back as soon as possible, but no additional details were provided about the situation.
In the meantime, the defense will be handled by a collective effort from the coaching staff while Steve Belichick is out.
It’s another setback for a UNC program that has already taken some hits off the field. Still, the biggest concern here is the health of Steve Belichick, and whether his medical situation proves to be anything serious.
There is at least some comfort for North Carolina in the fact that Bill Belichick is the head coach. One of the sport’s most respected defensive minds, he’ll help cover the gap with the rest of the staff while his son is away.
On the field, the Tar Heels showed enough in 2025 to suggest the defense could keep trending in the right direction. North Carolina finished in the top 60 nationally on that side of the ball, and its 4.3 yards per play allowed ranked No. 30 among all qualifying FBS programs.
The hope is that Steve Belichick returns soon to help guide that unit, but for now UNC is left waiting. The program’s attention still has to be on August 29, when the Tar Heels open the 2026 season in Ireland.
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