UNC places football general manager Michael Lombardi on administrative leave
Michael Lombardi, who joined head coach Bill Belichick ahead of the 2025 season, is the highest-paid general manager in college football.
The University of North Carolina announced on Monday, July 27, that football general manager Michael Lombardi has been placed on paid administrative leave, effective immediately. Vice Chancellor Dean Stoyer issued a statement confirming the move, noting that standard procedure prohibits leadership, staff, and student-athletes from discussing the matter further.
Stoyer clarified that the administrative leave carries no reflection on the merits of the situation. The university has not disclosed the specific reasons for the personnel action, maintaining a strict silence policy regarding the details of the investigation or review process.
Lombardi joined head coach Bill Belichick ahead of the 2025 season, bringing a long-standing front-office partnership formed during their time together in Cleveland and New England. He holds the distinction of being the highest-paid general manager in college football, with an annual salary of $1.5 million.
During his introduction in February 2025, Lombardi outlined a mandate to build a professional-style operation. He described the Tar Heels as the “33rd NFL team,” stating that every aspect of the program was predicated on building a pro team, given that those involved had prior experience in professional football.
The administrative leave comes as the program prepares for the upcoming season. UNC finished the 2025 season with a 4-8 record. The team is scheduled to open training camp on Thursday, July 30, and will begin the 2026 season against TCU on Saturday, August 29, in Dublin, Ireland.
