Rodd Baxley/The Fayetteville Observer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Steve Belichick has officially resigned as UNC's defensive coordinator
Heads continue to roll from the University of North Carolina’s embattled football program. After GM Michael Lombardi stepped down earlier this month, defensive coordinator Steve Belichick has now officially resigned.
ESPN‘s Pete Thamel has reported that Steve Belichick has officially resigned as UNC’s defensive coordinator following weeks on medical leave that began on August 6.
The 39-year-old, who earned $1.4 million as the program’s highest-paid assistant coach, joined the Tar Heels in 2025 under his father, head coach Bill Belichick, after previous stints at Washington and with the New England Patriots.
The resignation follows a university investigation, conducted by lawyers from Barnes & Thornburg LLP, into allegations that Belichick used drugs at university facilities and potentially provided drugs to players. No specific substance has been named in the reporting.
In their official statement, UNC said their investigation found “that certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina’s values and standards of conduct.”
Steve Belichick has resigned as UNC defensive coordinator amid investigation into alleged drug use at university facilities
Sources: Steve Belichick has resigned as North Carolina’s defensive coordinator. He’s been on medical leave since August 6. pic.twitter.com/qOqum4ZKP6
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 17, 2026
The investigation into UNC’s football program was reportedly set in motion by an HR complaint that was filed by a former employee.
The investigation has since expanded in its scope to examine other allegations, including a possible sexual relationship between a female recruiting staff member and at least one player, along with broader questions about program culture under Belichick, who has already faced years of questions about his grasp of the program.
Belichick’s exit comes weeks after general manager Michael Lombardi — the highest-paid GM in college football at $1.5 million annually — resigned on September 4 following his own administrative leave since July 27. Lombardi resigned without any financial settlement.
Full UNC statement. https://t.co/CDS8Anj5rj pic.twitter.com/1uMtcu2SkB
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 17, 2026
Belichick, whose tenure at UNC has been turbulent from the start — especially due to his relationship with his girlfriend Jordon Hudson, who is 49 years his junior 0- has addressed the situation by saying he understands “the importance of the work being done by the investigative team” while still defending the program’s standards.
You can read UNC’s full statement about Belichick’s resignation below.
“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.”
After going 4-8 last year to finish near the bottom of the ACC, the University of North Carolina Tar Heels have begun the season at 2-0 with wins over TCU and East Tennessee State. Their ACC schedule begin this weekend with a road matchup against Clemson on Saturday, September 19 at Noon EST.