Michael Lombardi has resigned from his position as general manager of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s football program, the university announced Thursday. His resignation is effective September 3, 2026.
Lombardi's decision follows an internal investigation launched by UNC’s Office of University Counsel. The university confirmed that the probe will continue despite his departure and that it will consider appropriate corrective actions based on the findings.
<![CDATA[IMAGE1]](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2026/03/1200/675/unc-football-michael-lombardi-bill-belichick.jpg?ve=1&tl=1 "Michael Lombardi talks with Bill Belichick") The investigation into Lombardi, who was considered a key advisor to head coach Bill Belichick, became public in late July. At the time, the university cited unspecified allegations and stated it would not comment on their nature due to confidential personnel issues. Lombardi joined the North Carolina program in 2025, ahead of Belichick’s first season as head coach. He held the role of college football's highest-paid football operations executive, earning an annual salary of $1.5 million. Lombardi was among Belichick's initial hires after accepting the coaching position at UNC. <![CDATA[IMAGE2]](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2026/07/1200/675/bill-belichick-michael-lombardi-sideline-tcu.jpg?ve=1&tl=1 "Bill Belichick and Michael Lombardi stand on the sideline") Belichick addressed Lombardi's administrative leave in late July, stating at the time that the team was "working through some things" and taking the situation "day-to-day." He noted that "a few adjustments" had been made. <![CDATA[IMAGE3]](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2026/03/1200/675/michael-lombardi-unc-031326.jpg?ve=1&tl=1 "Michael Lombardi looks on") The North Carolina Tar Heels concluded Belichick's debut season in 2025 with a 4-8 record. The team began Belichick's second season with an upset victory over TCU in Ireland.