Bill Belichick makes another controversial decision at UNC: "Nepotism runs deep"
Belichick is off to a strong start in his second season with the North Carolina Tar Heels.
Heading into his second season with the North Carolina Tar Heels , just about everyone was preparing themselves to watch a true implosion for UNC with Bill Belichick at the helm. Through two games, they'll have to keep waiting.
Belichick's squad opened the season with a pivotal road win over TCU , who embarrassed them in last season's first game. UNC then trounced East Tennessee State in the second game, setting them on the right course under Belichick. Those two wins came as the Tar Heels football program is still in a pattern of chaos.
On Thursday, it was reported that general manager Michael Lombardi has finally resigned from his position , after having been placed on paid administrative leave during the summer. Lombardi isn't alone in exiting the building, though. Defensive coordinator Steve Belichick - Bill's son - has also resigned , after a stint on medical leave that began on August 6.
Michael Lombardi and Steve Belichick resign, Bill identifies Brian Belichick as his next DC
Replacing Lombardi isn't exactly necessary, as the GM position was more something an NFL franchise would do. But defensive coordinator is a crucial job, and Bill has already chosen someone to replace his son: his other son, Brian Belichick .
Brian spent the 2025 season as the team's defensive backs/safeties coach . He was previously with his father with the New England Patriots , working under the head coach since 2017.
Brian had called defensive plays during North Carolina's first two games - which went swimmingly considering they've only allowed 13 points in two contests. But his promotion has rubbed some people the wrong way, simply due to the nature of their relationship.
" What in the Game of Thrones is going on here "
" The nepotism knows no bounds "
There are more qualified candidates than Belichick, but he's obviously familiar with the system and players on the team. Still, the optics aren't the best for a football program that's already under a microscope.
