Steve Belichick Resigns as UNC Coordinator After Investigation

Steve Belichick resigned as UNC defensive coordinator, Pete Thamel of ESPN reported Sept. 17, 2026. He had been on medical leave since Aug. 6; Bill Belichick handled defensive play-calling. UNC said it concluded an independent investigation into culture and climate in the football program. Dean Stoyer said certain actions showed a disregard for Carolina's values and standards but were isolated, not systemic, that corrective actions are underway, and that the university would not comment further on individuals. Michael Lombardi had resigned after late-July administrative leave. UNC also suspended freshman WR Keeyun Chapman indefinitely after a Sept. 15 Chapel Hill traffic-stop arrest. The Tar Heels were 2-0 entering a Sept. 19 game at Clemson. Contested WRAL reported lawyers asked whether Steve Belichick used drugs on the job or provided drugs to at least one player, and about possible sexual relationships involving recruiting staff, players, and assistant coaches. UNC's statement did not detail those points. TCPalm puts Lombardi's resignation on Sept. 3; Sportsnaut on Sept. 4. Right-rated headlines stressed a drug probe and mysterious medical leave; left-rated ones led with university findings and values language. UNC called the investigation resolved. Belichick was in the final year of a two-year, $2.7 million contract.