The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has placed football general manager Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave, prompting a new investigation by the College Sports Commission (CSC) into the Tar Heels program. Lombardi's actions are reportedly of interest to the CSC, an enforcement body that began operating a year ago and focuses on violations related to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and revenue-sharing rules, according to reporting from The Athletic.
The CSC is tasked with approving third-party deals involving college athletes. Lombardi's leave is connected to a human resources complaint filed by a former employee within UNC's front office, as reported by ESPN.
Lombardi, who earns $1.5 million annually making him the highest-paid general manager in college football, joined the UNC program alongside head coach Bill Belichick before the 2025 season. Lombardi previously worked with Belichick during their tenures with the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots, and was Belichick's first hire after he took the coaching position at UNC.
"The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has placed Michael Lombardi, general manager for the Carolina football program, on paid administrative leave, effective immediately," the university stated. "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 potential CSC investigation adds to the challenges facing the Tar Heels as they head into Belichick's second season. UNC finished the previous season with a 4-8 record.