University of North Carolina football general manager Michael Lombardi has resigned, following an investigation and several weeks of administrative leave.
According to The News & Observer, the university will continue its investigation into Lombardi’s alleged misconduct while with the Tarheels. Earlier reports claimed that Lombardi’s administrative leave – which began on July 27 – stemmed from a human resources complaint filed by a former front office employee.
“I want to thank Chancellor [Lee] Roberts and Bill Belichick for the opportunity to serve as the GM of UNC Football,” Lombardi said in a statement released through his lawyer. “I have decided it’s best for me to resign my position as GM to allow the team to focus on the ‘26 season.”
UNC hired a third-party firm to conduct the investigation and confirmed that no public funds were used to pay for that service. However, the school has released minimal details regarding the investigation or its findings overall.
Related: UNC Places Football GM Lombardi on Paid Administrative Leave
Despite UNC’s tight-lipped stance, WRAL News reported speculation that Lombardi’s administrative leave and subsequent departure from the Tarheels could be linked to an inappropriate sexual relationship with a staffer or student-athlete. Some sources say they were questioned by lawyers on both sides of the investigation regarding drug use by coaches and student-athletes. Others were asked about the role Steve Belichick, defensive coordinator, could have played in the situation. He is currently on medical leave.
Those questioned say they were also asked “about the culture of the football program under Bill Belichick and Lombardi.” The investigators were seeking “documents and screenshots of text conversations,” as well as reports of “questionable” behavior by Belichick.
In a statement, UNC chancellor Lee Roberts said, “We should be focusing on our student athletes and on their success on the field and on all of the wonderful things that happen at this university every day.”
