Overview
- The University of North Carolina said on Sept. 17, 2026 that an independent investigation into the football program is complete and that defensive coordinator Steve Belichick will resign effective Oct. 27 at the end of his medical leave.
- UNC confirmed that general manager Michael Lombardi resigned from the program on Sept. 3 as part of the same inquiry into culture and conduct.
- Investigators questioned players, parents and staff about allegations that included possible drug use by a coach and a possible sexual relationship involving program personnel, but the university declined to disclose specific findings about individuals.
- UNC said all necessary corrective actions are now under way and will be overseen by Carolina Athletics and the Office of University Counsel, and the school considers the probe resolved while suspending freshman receiver Keeyun Chapman after his recent arrest.
- The developments leave short-term coaching changes in place for UNC’s upcoming ACC opener at Clemson on Saturday and could prompt contract and compliance reviews by conference or NCAA authorities that would affect program governance.