UNC football GM Lombardi resigns amid investigation

Michael Lombardi, the general manager of the University of North Carolina football program, resigned on September 3, 2026, amid an ongoing internal investigation. His departure comes as the university's probe has expanded to include questions about defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, the son of head coach Bill Belichick, regarding potential drug use. Lombardi had been on paid administrative leave since late July following a complaint from a former front office employee. The university announced his resignation effective September 3, stating it "will continue its ongoing investigation and will consider all appropriate corrective actions responsive to the information it learns." Lombardi's attorney, Tom Mars, had previously characterized the investigation as a "witch hunt," arguing that if UNC had grounds to fire Lombardi for cause, they would have done so without a lengthy inquiry. Lombardi was the highest-paid general manager in the NCAA with a salary of $1.5 million. The investigation has now turned to Steve Belichick, who was placed on indefinite medical leave in early August.