UNC puts football GM Michael Lombardi on paid leave

The University of North Carolina placed football General Manager Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave effective Monday, July 27, 2026, creating a significant disruption for head coach Bill Belichick’s program just over a month before the start of the season. The university announced the move in a statement but provided no reason for the personnel action, citing standard procedure that prohibits further comment from leadership, staff, and student-athletes.

Lombardi, a longtime NFL executive with over three decades of experience in various front offices, was Belichick’s first key hire when the legendary coach took the UNC job in December 2024. The two have a professional history dating back to 1987 with the Cleveland Browns and later with the New England Patriots from 2014 to 2016. Lombardi’s role was to oversee talent evaluation and roster construction for a program aiming to operate with an NFL structure. He is among the highest-paid general managers in college football, with a reported salary of $1.5 million per year.

The timing of the leave presents a challenge as the Tar Heels prepare for their second season under Belichick, which begins on August 29 against TCU. The...