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North Carolina football head coach Bill Belichick disclosed Thursday that his son Steve, the team’s defensive coordinator, has temporarily stepped away from his position due to a medical matter. The announcement came as the Tar Heels entered fall camp ahead of the upcoming season, marking another setback for a program seeking stability after a disappointing 4-8 campaign in 2025.
During his media address, Belichick confirmed that Steve would remain absent from team activities while managing his health situation. “Just want to let everyone know that my son Steve’s on medical leave, and look forward to getting him back as soon as possible,” the head coach said. “It’s a medical situation so I really can’t make any further comment on that.”
The defensive coordinator’s absence compounds ongoing difficulties surrounding the Carolina program. In July, the university placed general manager Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave following a human resources complaint, prompting North Carolina to retain outside counsel to investigate the matter.
Lombardi’s attorney, Tom Mars, stated his client welcomes a swift investigation to restore his reputation. “Michael hasn’t been told anything about the nature of UNC’s investigation and welcomes the opportunity to clear his name,” Mars told ESPN, adding that Lombardi is cooperating fully with the university.
The 2026 season looms large for Belichick’s tenure, with the program facing its first true test after transferring heavily through the portal. UNC opens against TCU with mounting pressure to demonstrate the NFL veteran’s college coaching model can succeed in a competitive landscape transformed by NIL deals and revenue-sharing arrangements.
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