Bill Belichick responds to Mike Lombardi questions in typical manner
University of North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick kept things characteristically vague when asked about Michael Lombardi for the first time since the GM was put on leave.Back in January 2025, the 74-year-old inked a deal with the Tar Heels that will see him lead UNC for the next five years for $50 million. He made some key moves in the transfer portal ahead of his hotly anticipated debut season, but UNC struggled and went 4-8 — including 2-6 in the ACC — as Belichick’s first crack at college football ended in misery beneath the shadow of his relationship with Jordan Hudson.Heading into Year Two, controversy has already hit Chapel Hill. Lombardi, the highest-paid general manager in college football and a long-time friend of Belichick, has been placed on administrative leave. He worked as Belichick’s assistant on the New England Patriots, but he was placed on leave after an alleged HR complaint.At $1.5 million per year, Lombardi immediately became the highest-paid general manager in college football when he took the post after previously hosting podcasts for several years while working for Bill Simmons' The Ringer. The 67-year-old had previously been general manager of the Cleveland Browns.When asked about Lombardi and how UNC is dealing with the GM’s absence, Belichick kept his cards close to his chest. He said: “We are working through some things. We’re at a particular time of year now where there are certain things that are in play and certain things that aren’t in play. … We’re taking it day by day. And, you know, working through the things that are on the table now.”On Thursday, UNC released a statement which read: “As a result of concerns behind allegations that led to the personnel action regarding Michael Lombardi announced on July 27, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, through its Office of University Counsel, is in the process of investigating this matter. Because this involves confidential personnel issues, the University will not comment on the nature of the allegations or discuss personnel information.”UNC Athletic Director Steve Newmark also confirmed that the counsel is leading an investigation into Lombardi after Belichick’s news conference. He said: “It’s paramount for us to do what’s right to make sure it’s a full and fair review, and that we don’t do anything to compromise the integrity of the process..."We’re hopeful that it will be an expedited process, because essentially what is important to us is trying to make sure we’re doing what’s right for the university and the athletic department and our student-athletes, is to ensure that once we get the results of the process, we take them into consideration and then we act quickly on whatever action may be appropriate based on those findings.“At this point, there’s only been two official actions.”According to North Carolina’s handbook, administrative leave “should not exceed 30 days,” which means a decision on Lombardi’s future should come before the Tar Heels’ Aug. 29 season opener against TCU in Dublin.North Carolina is also said to be under investigation over potential foul play regarding NCAA and NIL rules. The College Sports Commission has approached UNC’s football program about a possible investigation, with Lombardi’s actions believed to be of interest.Asked directly about the CSC inquiry, Belichick said: “Yeah, next question. We can’t talk about it.”
