Ahead of the 2026 season, UNC football faces yet another controversy.
Football general manager Mike Lombardi has been placed on paid administrative leave, the university announced Monday. His leave is effective immediately.
The release did not provide any details or reason for his suspension. But the announcement came from UNC vice chancellor for communications and marketing Dean Stoyer, not an official within the athletic department.
“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,” Stoyer said.
Before taking up the GM role in Chapel Hill, Lombardi spent several decades coaching in the NFL, winning three Super Bowls during his career. He joined Belichick at UNC in December 2024, and earns a salary of $1.5 million.
Belichick, 74, had a tumultuous debut in college football last season that looked nothing like his illustrious NFL coaching career. The beginning of his tenure was marred by off-field tumult including the involvement of his 25-year-old girlfriend, Jordon Hudson. Then, the Tar Heels went 4-8, and did not qualify for a bowl game.
