Bill Belichick's Son Steve on Medical Leave from UNC Football Ahead of 2026 Season Opener

North Carolina defensive coordinator Steve Belichick is going on medical leave.

Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick told reporters on Thursday that Steve is taking a medical leave and will be back "as soon as possible."

Steve's status for the start of the 2026 season is unclear with the Tar Heels playing TCU at Aviva Stadium in Ireland on Aug. 29.

Since it's a medical situation, Bill did not provide any specifics about the issue his son his dealing with.

Bill added the entire defensive staff will take on increased duties with Steve out for the time being.

"All the people on the defensive staff," he said. "We coach the defense collectively as a staff, and so we'll continue to do that. Those (coaches) are involved with everybody."

Steve is entering his second season as North Carolina's defensive coordinator. He has worked on his father's coaching staffs in 14 seasons including 2026.

The 39-year-old got his start in coaching as a defensive assistant with the New England Patriots in 2012. He gradually worked his way up to coaching individual position groups during his time in New England, including safeties, defensive backs and outside linebackers.

After Bill left the Patriots following the 2023 season, Steve made the move to college as Washington's defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach in 2024.

Steve joined his father with the Tar Heels in December 2024 when he was hired as defensive coordinator. North Carolina finished last season 66th in FBS in points allowed per game, its highest ranking in that category since 2020.

North Carolina has a week off following the Dublin opener against TCU before hosting East Tennessee State at Kenan Stadium on Sept. 12.