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Lombardi resigns as UNC GM amid investigation
Confirmed
In Short: North July North Carolina football general manager Michael Lombardi has resigned from his position, the Tar Heels announced Thursday afternoon.
North July North Carolina football general manager Michael Lombardi has resigned from his position, the Tar Heels announced Thursday afternoon.
The school announced Michael Lombardi's resignation Thursday.
A few months into Bill Belichick’s tenure, Michael Lombardi said the goal was running a college program in a way similar to the NFL, saying the Tar Heels “consider ourselves the 33rd (NFL) team” because of the staff connections to the pros.
Three days later, UNC released another statement that said its Office of University Counsel was conducting an investigation, an announcement coming on the first day of preseason camp.
Podcaster and frequent thorn in Tar Heels coach Bill Belichick’s side Pablo Torre additionally reported that the program is under investigation by the College Sports Commission.
Michael Lombardi's lawyer, Tom Mars, told WRAL on July 31 that Michael Lombardi had not been told what he was being investigated for at that time.
Bill Belichick said on July 30 that the team was “working through some things” in adjusting duties to compensate for Michael Lombardi’s absence.
"I want to thank Chancellor Roberts and Bill Belichick for the opportunity to serve as the GM of UNC Football. I have decided it's best for me to resign my position as GM to allow the team to focus on the '26 season," Michael Lombardi said in a statement.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- "[Michael Lombardi] welcomes the opportunity to clear his name, which has already been sullied by baseless statements and innuendo on social media," Mars said.
- “Michael knows how to build a champion and brings a great deal of quality experience to the UNC program,” Bill Belichick said upon Michael Lombardi’s December 2024 hiring.