North Carolina general manager Michael Lombardi has been placed on paid administrative leave by the university.
UNC announced the news in a statement, sharing that the leave is effective immediately, but did not provide any additional details.
“The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has placed Michael Lombardi, general manager for the Carolina football program, on paid administrative leave, effective immediately,” the school said in a statement, via Nakos. “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.”
Lombardi joined UNC in December 2024, joining Belichick again after having worked with him on the Patriots from 2014 to 2016 as well as with the Cleveland Browns. He is believed to be the highest-paid general manager in college football, making $1.5 million per year.
This story will continue to be updated.
Michael Lombardi Previously Referred To UNC As The ’33rd NFL Team’
In February 2025, Lombardi caught a lot of heat for a comment he made regarding North Carolina’s status among college football.
“Everything we do here is predicated on building a pro team,” Lombardi said, per the Associated Press. “We consider ourselves the 33rd (NFL) team because everybody who’s involved with our program has had some form or aspect in pro football.”
Bill Belichick and Michael Lombardi Previously Praised One Another
When he was first hired, Lombardi expresesed how excited he is to work with Belichick once again.
“Working with Coach Belichick has always been one of the most rewarding times of my life,” Lombardi said. “Reuniting here at UNC is a dream come true. Chapel Hill is a magical place, and the University is one of the greatest in the country.”
Belichick had similar sentiments.
“Michael knows how to build a champion and brings a great deal of quality experience to the UNC program,” Belichick said. “I am excited to be reunited with Michael, and we will rely on his expertise in evaluating and acquiring talent for the Tar Heel program.”
Bill Belichick’s Right Hand Man and UNC GM Michael Lombardi Placed On Paid Administrative Leave