Bill Belichick's second season at North Carolina has hit an unexpected bump before it even begins.
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The university announced Monday that football general manager Michael Lombardi has been placed on paid administrative leave, effective immediately.
"The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has placed Michael Lombardi, general manager for the Carolina football program, on paid administrative leave," UNC said in a statement.
The school did not provide a reason for the decision and said coaches, staff members and players are prohibited from discussing the personnel matter further.
As Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio noted, there is currently no indication how long Lombardi's leave will last or what the eventual outcome might be.
His absence is significant because Lombardi has been one of Belichick's most important figures at North Carolina.
The former NFL executive was among Belichick's first major hires after the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach took the UNC job in December 2024. Lombardi has played a leading role in roster construction, scouting and talent evaluation for the Tar Heels.
Before joining North Carolina, Lombardi spent decades working in the NFL, including stints with the Browns, Raiders, Eagles and Patriots. He served as Cleveland's general manager in 2013.
North Carolina's 2026 roster is largely set with the season approaching, but recruiting and player evaluation never really stop in college football.
Either way, it appears Belichick will have to move forward without one of the most prominent members of his front office, with UNC offering no timetable for Lombardi's return.
