UNC Football Program Faces Turmoil with Player Suspension and Coaching Resignation

The University of North Carolina's football program is navigating a period of turmoil following the indefinite suspension of freshman wide receiver Keeyun Chapman and the impending resignation of defensive coordinator Steve Belichick. These developments were announced concurrently on Thursday, as the university also released findings from an investigation into the football program's culture.

Chapman was arrested Tuesday night on a misdemeanor charge of carrying a concealed weapon. The arrest occurred after police pulled over a vehicle driven by teammate C.J. Sadler. Officers reportedly seized 15.1 grams of marijuana from the car, and Sadler was cited for speeding.

Chapman, a highly-rated recruit from Jackson High School in Alabama, had not played a snap this season. UNC stated that Chapman's suspension "reflects the University's commitment to accountability and the well-being of its student athletes."

Simultaneously, the university confirmed that Steve Belichick, son of NFL legend Bill Belichick, will resign from his role as defensive coordinator once his medical leave concludes on October 27. Belichick had been on medical leave since last month.

An investigation into the football program's culture concluded that "certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina's values and standards of conduct." However, the investigation also determined that these actions were isolated and not indicative of a systemic failure.

This is not the first personnel change within the program recently. Michael Lombardi, the program's general manager and a longtime associate of Bill Belichick, also resigned earlier this month. Lombardi had been on paid administrative leave since July following a human resources complaint.

Reports from WRAL in September alleged that the investigation was examining claims of drug use by Steve Belichick on the job or supplying drugs to players. The investigation also reportedly looked into allegations of a sexual relationship between a recruiting staff member and a player, as well as potential relationships between other coaches and recruiting staff members. Investigators reportedly interviewed current and former players, parents, and staff members.

Bill Belichick, who is in his first season as head coach at UNC, led the Tar Heels to a 4-8 record in his inaugural 2025 season. The team has started the 2026 season with two wins before facing challenging upcoming games against Clemson and Notre Dame.