Michael Lombardi has resigned from his position as general manager of the North Carolina football program, the university confirmed on Thursday. The seasoned NFL executive's departure follows a period of administrative leave.
This decision by Lombardi occurs over a month after he was placed on paid administrative leave by the university, pending an internal inquiry. Despite his resignation, the investigation initiated by the Office of University Counsel at UNC will continue, according to the institution.
Lombardi joined the Chapel Hill program in 2025, prior to the inaugural season of Head Coach Bill Belichick. He was widely regarded as one of the seven-time Super Bowl-winning coach's most relied-upon advisors within the football organization.
University Probe Continues
"The University will continue its ongoing investigation and will consider all appropriate corrective actions responsive to the information it learns," the university stated.
News of the internal investigation concerning Lombardi first emerged publicly in late July. At that time, the Office of University Counsel referred to unspecified allegations and declined to elaborate on their nature.
"Because this involves confidential personnel issues, the University will not comment on the nature of the allegations or discuss personnel Information," read a statement released on July 28.
Role and Coach Belichick's Perspective
Upon his appointment as North Carolina's general manager, Lombardi commanded the highest salary for a football operations executive in college football, receiving an annual compensation of $1.5 million. He was among the initial individuals hired by Coach Belichick after taking on the role at UNC.
Coach Belichick addressed Lombardi's placement on administrative leave on July 30.
"Well, we’re working through some things," Belichick informed reporters during the opening of the Tar Heels' preseason camp. "We’re at a particular time of year now where there are some things in play and some things that aren’t in play that won’t happen until later in the calendar year. Again, we’re taking it day-to-day, and we’re doing things that are on Day 1. … We’ve made a few adjustments, but we’re working through the process."
Belichick's second season with North Carolina commenced with a notable victory, as the Tar Heels defeated TCU in Ireland last Saturday. In his inaugural season, UNC concluded with a 4-8 win-loss record.
