Bill Belichick Addresses UNC Relationship After Michael Lombardi's Exit as CFB GM

North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick briefly touched on the school's ongoing investigation into the football program after general manager Michael Lombardi resigned as general manager last week.

"I understand the importance of the work that's being done by the investigative team," Belichick told reporters Monday. "Obviously our high standard here—our code of conduct and doing things the right way and making sure that our student athletes are given the utmost, the best treatment, the very best care, and the very best coaching that we can possibly give them. So, that's critically important to us."

Belichick's first season on the job didn't exactly go to plan, as the NFL legend only managed a 4-8 record and the Tar Heels didn't qualify for a bowl game for the first time since 2018.

But the 2026 season got off to a more promising start, at least on the field, as North Carolina beat TCU 15-10 and held them scoreless after the Horned Frogs opened the game with a touchdown and field goal on their first two drives.

"I'm just happy for the players. They've worked really hard," Belichick told reporters after the win. "To have positive results back up that hard work, reinforces it. I think they've been believing in what we're doing, but I think this just gives everybody a little bit more belief and we've just got to keep building."

Last season, the Tar Heels opened the season with a 48-14 home loss against TCU.

Uncertainty nevertheless surrounds the football program. After Lombardi's resignation on Thursday, North Carolina said it was continuing its investigation and would "consider all appropriate corrective actions."

As that probe continues, Belichick's son and defensive coordinator Steve Belichick remains on medical leave.