Steve Belichick resigns as North Carolina's defensive coordinator

Steve Belichick is out as North Carolina's defensive coordinator as the school announced it has concluded its investigation into the program's "culture and climate."

Belichick's resignation will be official as of Oct. 27, which marks the end of a medical leave that he has been on since Aug. 6. His exit follows that of general manager Mike Lombardi, who resigned on Sept. 3 following an investigation over allegations related to a human resources dispute involving a former school front-office employee.

"The University has concluded a thorough and independent investigation into the allegations related to culture and climate within the Carolina football program," the school wrote in a statement. "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. "As the University previously announced, General Manager Michael Lombardi resigned from the program effective September 3. Steve Belichick has resigned from his position of defensive cordinator, effective October 27, 2026, following the conclusion of his current medical leave. "Throughout the investigation, the University has been guided by the legal advice of outside counsel. All necessary corrective actions are now underway and will be overseen by Carolina Athletics and the Office of University Counsel. With these actions, the University considers the investigation to be resolved. "Consistent with University policy regarding personnel matters, there will be no further comment on individuals. As always, should credible new information arise, the University will evaluate it and take appropriate action consistent with its policies and responsibilities."

"The University has concluded a thorough and independent investigation into the allegations related to culture and climate within the Carolina football program," the school wrote in a statement.

"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.

"As the University previously announced, General Manager Michael Lombardi resigned from the program effective September 3. Steve Belichick has resigned from his position of defensive cordinator, effective October 27, 2026, following the conclusion of his current medical leave.

"Throughout the investigation, the University has been guided by the legal advice of outside counsel. All necessary corrective actions are now underway and will be overseen by Carolina Athletics and the Office of University Counsel. With these actions, the University considers the investigation to be resolved.

"Consistent with University policy regarding personnel matters, there will be no further comment on individuals. As always, should credible new information arise, the University will evaluate it and take appropriate action consistent with its policies and responsibilities."

As part of the investigation, witnesses were reportedly questioned about whether Belichick "used drugs on the job or provided drugs to at least one player."

The investigation, according to a report from WRAL released the day Lombardi resigned , separately explored whether an unnamed member of the North Carolina recruiting staff had a sexual relationship with a player. Lawyers also inquired about possible sexual relationships between assistant coaches and the recruiting staff.

Belichick spent the 2024 season as Washington's defensive coordinator before joining his dad, Bill, at North Carolina. Steve Belichick previously worked for his dad as a New England Patriots assistant from 2012 to 2023.

According to CBS Sports , Brian Belichick is expected to continue on as the team's defensive play-caller after handling those duties during the Tar Heels' first two games.

North Carolina also announced that wide receiver Keeyun Chapman has been suspended indefinitely after he was arrested Tuesday night for carrying a concealed handgun. The charge against Chapman is a misdemeanor, and he has an Oct. 13 court appearance scheduled.