UNC football readies for 2026 season with July training camp launch
UNC training camp begins July 30; season opens August 29 against TCU in Dublin.
Event / Sports
UNC Football Program Turbulence
University of North Carolina places football general manager Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave following a complaint from a former staffer, amid ongoing issues in the football program after a 4-8 inaugural season under head coach Bill Belichick.
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2026-08-14 to 2026-11-11 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 28 Jul, 00:18 UTC
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What happened
Michael Lombardi worked with Belichick for over 30 years
Michael Lombardi spent over 30 years in NFL front offices and worked with Bill Belichick at multiple organizations, including the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots, where Belichick won two of his six Super Bowls during Lombardi's tenure.
UNC places football GM Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave
The University of North Carolina placed Michael Lombardi, general manager of the football program, on paid administrative leave effective July 27, 2026. The university cited standard personnel matter procedures and did not disclose the specific reason for the action.
Bill Belichick hired as UNC football head coach in December 2024
Bill Belichick was hired as head coach of the University of North Carolina football program in December 2024, signing a five-year, $50 million contract with the first three years guaranteed. Belichick, the former New England Patriots head coach, is 74 years old.
UNC football records 4-8 mark in Belichick's first season
The University of North Carolina football team finished the 2025 season with a 4-8 record in Bill Belichick's inaugural season as head coach. The team also failed to place any players in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Investigation into UNC GM stems from complaint filed by former staffer
An investigation into Michael Lombardi's administrative leave stems from a complaint filed by a former staffer to UNC's human resources department, according to reporting by OutKick-FOX News Digital.
Michael Lombardi earns $1.5 million annually as UNC football GM
Michael Lombardi was employed as general manager of the North Carolina football program with an annual salary of $1.5 million, making him the highest-paid general manager in college football. His contract runs from December 14, 2024 through January 15, 2028.
UNC football training camp scheduled to begin July 30, 2026
The University of North Carolina football program was scheduled to open training camp on July 30, 2026.
UNC 2026 football season opener scheduled for August 29 against TCU
The University of North Carolina football team is scheduled to begin the 2026 season against TCU on August 29, 2026 at noon ET in Dublin, Ireland, with the game broadcast on ESPN.
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2 alternative perspectives
Belichick's UNC debut ends with 4-8 record in inaugural season
Belichick's first UNC season ended 4-8, concluding his inaugural year at Chapel Hill.
UNC Places Football GM Lombardi on Leave Amid Investigation
UNC places football GM Lombardi on paid leave pending investigation into former staffer complaint.