North Carolina placed general manager Mike Lombardi on paid administrative leave Monday, the school announced
Lombardi, a long-time collaborator with UNC head coach Bill Belichick, has been at UNC since 2024
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The university confirmed Lombardi’s leave, though did not provide specifics, per a statement. Lombardi’s leave is 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, effective immediately,” a statement from UNC read,ership, staff, and student-athletes are prohibited from addressing this topic further, and has no reflection on the merits.”
Lombardi’s history with Belichick extends back to the coach’s time with the Cleveland Browns. He was initially hired by the team in 1987 and worked his way up into the director of player personnel role, teaming with Belichick to work on the draft and execute player acquisitions
After Belichick left the Browns, Lombardi worked for various organizations — including the Philadelphia Eagles, Oakland Raiders, Denver Broncos and Browns (for a second time) — before reuniting with Belichick with the New England Patriots
Lombardi served as the team’s assistant to Belichick for three seasons
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While in-between jobs during his career, Lombardi carved out a role as a member of the media, writing columns for NFL.com, making television appearances and co-hosting various podcasts
Lombardi drew significant attention in 2017 after ripping then-Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson, calling Pederson, “less qualified to coach a team than anyone I’ve ever seen.” Months later, Pederson won the Super Bowl with the Eagles
After spending extended time in the media, Lombardi once again reunited with Belichick in 2024, when the long-time coach decided to go to North Carolina. In 2025, Lombardi was the highest-paid general manager in college football, with a salary of $1.5 million
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UNC went 4-8 during Lombardi’s first season as the team’s general manager
