Steve Belichick is no longer the defensive coordinator at North Carolina. The university announced Belichick’s resignation in conjunction with the conclusion of an internal investigation into the football program’s culture under his father, Bill Belichick, the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach.
On July 27, the Tar Heels announced that general manager Michael Lombardi had been placed on administrative leave following a human resources complaint filed against him, which sparked the internal investigation into the football program.
Lombardi stepped down from his role on Sept. 3, but the internal investigation was not wrapped up until Thursday’s announcement. North Carolina’s statement explained the investigation found that “actions were isolated in scope and not a systemic failure.”
Defensive coordinator Steve Belichick (L) and head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels look on during the second half of the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Kenan Stadium on September 01, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
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“The University has concluded a thorough and independent investigation into allegations related to culture and climate within the Carolina football program,” the statement read.
“The investigation determined that certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina’s values and standards of conduct. The investigation also found that these actions were isolated in scope and not a systemic failure.”
Defensive coordinator Steve Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels high-fives Andrew Simpson #2 during the game against the Richmond Spiders at Kenan Memorial Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) (Lance King/Getty Images)
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The university did not directly connect Steve Belichick’s resignation to Lombardi’s or the investigation into the football program.
Bill Belichick announced in early August that Steve was away from the team on medical leave.
“It’s a medical situation, so I really can’t make any further comment on that,” Bill Belichick told the media in August.
Steve Belichick’s resignation will go into effect on Oct. 27, 2026, following the conclusion of his ongoing medical leave, the school said in its announcement.
Defensive coordinator Steve Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels look on prior to a game against the Syracuse Orange at JMA Wireless Dome on October 31, 2025 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images) (Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)
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The Tar Heels’ announcement also included a note that wide receiver Keeyun Chapman has been suspended from the team indefinitely in connection with “an incident” that occurred Tuesday night.
The Tar Heels have begun the 2026 campaign with a 2-0 record, with wins over TCU and East Tennessee State. They will take on Clemson on the road on Saturday in their first ACC contest of the year.
