CHAPEL HILL — The University of North Carolina placed football general manager Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave effective immediately on Monday, July 27. The decision launches an internal inquiry by the Office of University Counsel into allegations tied to a human resources complaint filed by a former UNC football staffer.

The College Sports Commission is also investigating the North Carolina football program concurrent with the university's internal review. Lombardi earns an annual salary of $1.5 million and his contract runs through January 15, 2028.

UNC Director of Athletics Steve Newmark addressed the personnel matter in a statement regarding the university's obligations. “Any time we have allegations around a personnel matter, it's the obligation and duty of a university as stewards of our students, faculty, and the whole UNC community to take it seriously, to evaluate, to figure out what are the appropriate next steps,” Newmark said.

Newmark confirmed the specific body leading the inquiry. “In this case, we now have the Office of University Counsel leading investigation,” he said. He added that the university would allow the process to unfold without interference.

“We're going to let that process play out. It is 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,” Newmark said.

Chancellor Lee Roberts provided context on when the university became aware of the issues. “We learned of some football concerns last week. We put Mike Lombardi on administrative leave, as you know. We began an investigation,” Roberts said.

He emphasized the institution's commitment to resolving any identified issues. “If something has gone wrong, we want to know about it. If something needs to be fixed, we will be sure to fix it,” he said.

He expressed regret that the controversy had drawn attention away from athletic achievements. “I'm disappointed that we're talking about this. We should be focusing on our student athletes, on their success on the field, and on all of the wonderful things that happen at this university every day,” he said.

Head Coach Bill Belichick addressed the situation regarding program operations. “Well, we're working through some things,” Belichick said. He noted that changes had occurred within the staff structure.

“We've made a few adjustments, yeah, but I mean, we're working through the process,” Belichick said. Belichick previously worked with Michael Lombardi at the Cleveland Browns and the New England Patriots.

UNC Vice Chancellor Dean Stoyer issued a statement limiting further discussion on the matter. “As is standard procedure with personnel matters, leadership, staff, and student-athletes are prohibited from addressing this topic further, and has no reflection on the merits,” Stoyer stated in a university announcement.

Lombardi was hired by North Carolina in December 2024. In February 2025, he outlined his vision for the program's operational model. “We consider ourselves the 33rd NFL team,” Lombardi said at the time.

The administrative leave follows a challenging period for the football program. North Carolina finished the 2025 football season with a 4-8 record. The team did not have any players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite these recent results, North Carolina was picked 15th in the ACC preseason media poll.

The placement of a high-profile general manager on paid leave involves significant financial and contractual commitments, as Lombardi holds a $1.5 million annual salary with a contract extending into 2028. The situation involves dual investigations, one internal by the Office of University Counsel and one external by the College Sports Commission, indicating the severity with which regulatory and university bodies are treating the allegations from a former staffer.

The timing of the leave occurs after a season in which the football team posted a 4-8 record and failed to place any players in the NFL Draft. The university leadership has emphasized the need for a full and fair review while attempting to redirect focus toward student-athlete success. The outcome of the investigations will determine the future of the general manager position and the program's direction under head coach Bill Belichick.