By admin 
Steve Belichick has resigned from the University of North Carolina football staff following an independent, internal investigation, the university announced Thursday.
Read more Rabid bat found at Yosemite’s Curry Village: what campers and visitors need to know
Belichick, son of UNC head coach and NFL legend Bill Belichick, has been on medical leave since Aug. 6. His resignation will be effective at the end of the scheduled medical leave, on Oct. 27. He was the highest-paid assistant on the Tar Heels staff.
Steve Belichick’s resignation is in part the result of a broader investigation into the Tar Heels’ football program, which “determined that certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina’s values and standards of conduct” but were “isolated in scope and not a systemic failure,” according to Thursday’s news release.
Steve Belichick’s resignation is the second major fallout from the investigation, after former general manager Michael Lombardi resigned from his position on Sept. 3. His resignation was also referenced in the university’s statement.
“Throughout the investigation, the University has been guided by the legal advice of outside counsel,” the university said in a statement. “All necessary corrective actions are now underway and will be overseen by Carolina Athletics and the Office of University Counsel. With these actions, the University considers the investigation to be resolved.
“Consistent with University policy regarding personnel matters, there will be no further comment on individuals,” the statement continued. “As always, should credible new information arise, the University will evaluate it and take appropriate action consistent with its policies and responsibilities.”
Steve Belichick was paid a base salary of $1.3 million in his first season, according to his contract signed Aug. 2, 2025. That was set to increase to $1.4 million by Jan. 16, 2026, according to previous News & Observer reporting.
Secondary coach Brian Belichick is expected to take over as the Tar Heels’ defensive play-caller, according to a report from CBS Sports.
Who is Steve Belichick?
Steve Belichick joined the Tar Heels’ staff in 2025, shortly after his father was named the program’s coach in December 2024. Steve Belichick was previously the University of Washington’s defensive coordinator under coach Jedd Fisch.
Read more Placer Union High teachers get 4.9% raise. What will it cost the school district?
The Tar Heels went 4-8 in year one of the Bill Belichick era, and had a middle-of-the-pack ACC defense, ranking eighth in the conference with 24.5 points allowed per game.
According to multiple reports in the aftermath of Lombardi’s resignation, a university probe led to questions surrounding Steve Belichick’s medical leave, and the reasons behind it. Allegations within those reports included providing illicit substances to a player, and possible inappropriate relationships between staff and players and upper-level employees and their subordinates.
Thursday’s one-page statement did not address any specific allegations.
Bill Belichick has declined comment throughout the investigation. His responses remained short and generalized, noting that he “can’t talk about” the active investigation, saying “yes, absolutely” in response to a question about whether he believes his program operates in compliance, and adding he does not have an update on any future decisions to bring in a new general manager and defensive coordinator.
“Yeah, look, I love all my kids,” Belichick said. “But I’m not going to comment on a medical situation.”
Bill Belichick previously noted that the Tar Heels have handled the defensive playcalling and gameplanning through a collaborative effort among the defensive staff.
Football player suspended
Thursday’s statement added that, separately, freshman wide receiver Keeyun Chapman was suspended from the program in relation to an incident on Tuesday.
Chapman was arrested and charged with carrying a concealed weapon following a traffic stop Tuesday night. The car was being driven by fellow freshman wide receiver CJ Sadler, who was pulled over for speeding in Chapel Hill before Chapman’s arrest.
Both players have been ruled out for Saturday’s game against Clemson.
This story was originally published September 17, 2026 at 6:48 AM with the headline “UNC concludes football investigation as Bill Belichick’s son resigns.”
Read more Retailer to close Citrus Heights store as part of nationwide shutdown. What to know