UNC GM on Leave as Belichick Era Stalls | North Carolina Tar Heel Football News

UNC’s GM Michael Lombardi is on paid administrative leave as the Tar Heels prepare for their 2026 opener against TCU in Ireland — a move that underscores the program’s turbulent season under Bill Belichick. Lombardi, who joined UNC in 2024 after his Patriots tenure, faced backlash for banning Patriots scouts and calling UNC the NFL’s “33rd team,” amid a dismal 4-8 record and 2-6 conference slate. The university says this is routine personnel procedure and declined to comment further. Fans and insiders are reacting with unusual enthusiasm — a rare bright spot in a season that’s already looking shaky. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/1f7ec70715e76631