CHAPEL HILL – University of North Carolina defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, son of head coach Bill Belichick, is resigning following an internal investigation that found actions within the football program that demonstrated “a disregard for Carolina values and standards of conduct,” the University said Thursday. Steve Belichick has been on medical leave for more than a month. His resignation will be effective Oct. 27, when his medical leave ends, the university said. The university has not publicly revealed details about his license. Steve Belichick did not immediately respond to a request for comment. © WRAL The departure comes two weeks after WRAL reported that outside investigators, hired by UNC, had questioned people close to the program about whether Steve Belichick had used drugs on the job or provided drugs to at least one player. The report cited several people familiar with the investigation. UNC did not give an explicit reason for his resignation. But he announced the departure in the same statement that outlined the results of his internal investigation into the “culture and climate” of the football program. “The investigation determined that certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina’s values and standards of conduct,” UNC said in its statement. “The investigation also found that these actions were isolated in scope and not a systemic failure.” UNC said the investigation is complete and that “all necessary corrective actions are already underway and will be monitored by Carolina Athletics and the Office of the University General Counsel.” “If new credible information emerges, the University will evaluate it and take appropriate action consistent with its policies and responsibilities,” UNC said. The departure comes two weeks after the resignation of general manager Michael Lombardi, a longtime confidant of Bill Belichick. Lombardi was placed on paid administrative leave before the season and resigned on Sept. 3, minutes before WRAL published a report on the expanding internal investigation. The UNC statement announcing the investigation’s findings also mentioned Lombardi’s departure, but did not say whether the resignation was a direct result of the investigation. Lombardi has not responded to multiple requests for comment. Lombardi’s attorney, Tom Mars, previously told WRAL that Lombardi had been interviewed by investigators and that his client had complied with the investigation. Mars has publicly called the investigation a “witch hunt.” UNC also said in its statement Thursday that aside from the investigation, freshman wide receiver Keeyun Chapman has been suspended indefinitely by the program. Chapman faces a firearm charge after a traffic stop Tuesday. Chapman was a passenger in the vehicle, according to police. “Chapman’s suspension, as well as the actions resulting from the investigation, reflect the university’s commitment to the accountability and well-being of its student-athletes,” the university said. “We believe the steps announced today will help make Carolina Football a stronger program and continue to earn the pride of the entire Carolina community.” Steve Belichick is in the final year of a two-year, $2.7 million contract. He previously served as defensive coordinator at the University of Washington. North Carolina visits Clemson for its first ACC game of the season on Saturday. Chapman and fellow receiver CJ Sadler are not expected to play in the game. In addition to Chapman’s weapons charge, Sadler was cited for driving at least 60 mph in a 35 mph zone following Tuesday’s traffic stop. The resignations, Chapman’s gun citation and new details about the investigation add to a multi-layered saga that has unfolded since UNC hired NFL coaching legend Bill Belichick in late 2024 to elevate its football program. The head coach’s tenure has generated far more off-field headlines than on-field successes, including accusations of a divided locker room, questions about his girlfriend’s influence over his media projects, a series of traffic citations and parking complaints, and the suspension of an assistant coach that coincided with a memo reminding members of the program that selling complimentary tickets could violate NCAA rules. UNC’s full statement UNC issued a detailed statement Thursday regarding its investigation, Belichick and Chapman. Here’s the full statement: “The University has concluded a thorough, independent investigation into allegations related to the culture and climate within Carolina’s 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 previously announced by the University, General Manager Michael Lombardi resigned from the program effective September 3. Steve Belichick resigned from his position as defensive coordinator, effective October 27, 2026, following the conclusion of his current medical leave. “Throughout the investigation, the University has been guided by legal advice from outside counsel. All necessary corrective actions are already underway and will be monitored by Carolina Athletics and the Office of the University General Counsel. With these actions, the University considers the investigation resolved. “In accordance with University policy regarding personnel matters, there will be no further comment regarding individuals. As always, if new credible information comes to light, 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 a Tuesday night incident. Chapman’s suspension, as well as the actions resulting from the investigation, reflect the University’s commitment to the responsibility and well-being of its student-athletes. We believe that “The steps announced today will help make Carolina Football a stronger program that continues to earn the pride of the entire Carolina community.”
