UNC football GM Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave

North Carolina Football basic supervisor Michael Lombardi, a high aide to educate Bill Belichick, has been positioned on paid administrative leave by the college.

UNC introduced Monday that Lombardi’s leave is efficient instantly however didn’t disclose another particulars. The Tar Heels open their second season below Belichick in just below 5 weeks on Aug. 29 in opposition to TCU.

“As is standard procedure with personnel matters, leadership, staff, and student-athletes are prohibited from addressing this topic further, and has no reflection on the merits,” the varsity mentioned in an announcement.

Lombardi joined Belichick at UNC in December 2024, reuniting with the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach. He labored below Belichick with the New England Patriots from 2014 to 2016, and earlier with the Cleveland Browns beginning in 1987.

Lombardi has confronted scrutiny on a number of events throughout his time in Chapel Hill, together with his boast in February 2025 when he advised the Tar Heels “consider ourselves the 33rd NFL team.” He additionally made headlines final September when he knowledgeable the Patriots that their scouts can be banned from entry to the Tar Heels program.

UNC went 4-8 final season below Belichick and didn’t have a single participant chosen on this yr’s NFL draft.