Michael Lombardi Resigns as UNC Football General Manager Amid Investigation

Michael Lombardi has stepped down from his role as General Manager of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill football program. This decision follows more than a month of paid administrative leave during an internal investigation by the university. Lombardi’s resignation does not conclude the investigation, which the UNC’s Office of University Counsel continues.

Lombardi joined the program in 2025, coinciding with Bill Belichick’s first season as head coach. Lombardi was regarded as a key advisor to the seven-time Super Bowl-winning coach. Upon his hiring, Lombardi became the highest-paid football operations executive in college football, earning $1.5 million annually.

The university confirmed the resignation, effective September 3, 2026, via a press release. “The University will continue its ongoing investigation and will consider all appropriate corrective actions responsive to the information it learns,” the statement read. The details of the investigation remain undisclosed, with the Office of University Counsel citing unspecified allegations. As these involve personnel matters, no further comments on the nature of the allegations have been provided.

“We’re at a particular time of year now where there are some things in play and some things that aren’t in play that won’t happen until later in the calendar year. Again, we’re taking it day-to-day,” Belichick stated.

Following Lombardi’s administrative leave, Belichick remarked on the transitional adjustments made within the team. Despite these ongoing issues, the Tar Heels managed an upset victory over TCU in Ireland, marking a promising beginning to Belichick’s second season after finishing his first season with a 4-8 record.