UNC’s Steve Belichick to resign; investigation finds ‘a disregard for Carolina’s values’
CHAPEL HILL — University of North Carolina defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, the son of head coach Bill Belichick, is resigning following an internal investigation that found actions within the football program that demonstrated “a disregard for Carolina’s values and standards of conduct,” the University said Thursday.
Steve Belichick has been on medical leave for more than a month. His resignation will be effective on Oct. 27, when the medical leave ends, the university said.. Specifics about his leave haven’t been publicly disclosed by the university.
Outside investigators, hired by UNC, had questioned people close to the program about whether Steve Belichick had used drugs on the job or whether he provided drugs to at least one player, people familiar with the investigation previously told WRAL.
The departure comes two weeks after the resignation of General manager Michael Lombardi, a longtime confidant of Bill Belichick. Lombardi was placed on paid administrative leave before the season, resigning on Sept. 3, minutes before WRAL published a report about the expanding internal probe.
UNC said Thursday that its internal investigation into the “culture and climate” of the football program found actions that demonstrated “a disregard for Carolina’s values and standards of conduct.”
“The investigation determined that certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina’s values and standards of conduct,” UNC said in a statement. “The investigation also found that these actions were isolated in scope and not a systemic failure.”
In addition, freshman wide receiver Keeyun Chapman, who faces a gun charge after he was a passenger in a teammate’s car during a traffic stop Tuesday, has been suspended indefinitely by the program.
“Chapman’s suspension, like the actions resulting from the investigation, reflect the university’s commitment to accountability and the well-being of its student athletes,” the university said. “We believe the steps announced today will help make Carolina Football a stronger program and one that continues to earn the pride of the entire Carolina community.”
Steve Belichick is in the final year of a two-year, $2.7 million contract. He previously served as the defensive coordinator at the University of Washington.
North Carolina visits Clemson for its first ACC game of the season Saturday.
Full UNC statement
“The University has concluded a thorough and independent investigation into allegations related to culture and climate within the Carolina football program.
“The investigation determined that certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina’s values and standards of conduct. The investigation also found that these actions were isolated in scope and not a systemic failure.
“As the University previously announced, General Manager Michael Lombardi resigned from the program effective September 3. Steve Belichick has resigned from his position of defensive coordinator, effective October 27, 2026, following the conclusion of his current medical leave.
“Throughout the investigation, the University has been guided by the legal advice of outside counsel. All necessary corrective actions are now underway and will be overseen by Carolina Athletics and the Office of University Counsel. With these actions, the University considers the investigation to be resolved.
“Consistent with University policy regarding personnel matters, there will be no further comment on individuals. As always, should credible new information arise, the University will evaluate it and take appropriate action consistent with its policies and responsibilities.
Separately, Carolina Football has suspended Keeyun Chapman from the team indefinitely in connection with an incident Tuesday night. Chapman’s suspension, like the actions resulting from the investigation, reflect the University’s commitment to accountability and the well-being of its student athletes. We believe the steps announced today will help make Carolina Football a stronger program and one that continues to earn the pride of the entire Carolina community.”