Lombardi's departure comes amid an ongoing internal investigation.
Lombardi, a longtime confidante of head coach Bill Belichick, had been on paid administrative leave while the university investigated allegations that reportedly revolved around an HR dispute involving a former UNC front office employee, ESPN previously reported.
"I want to thank Chancellor Roberts and Bill Belichick for the opportunity to serve as the GM of UNC Football," Lombardi said in a statement Thursday afternoon. "I have decided it's best for me to resign my position as GM to allow the team to focus on the '26 season."
At $1.5 million per year, Lombardi was the highest-paid GM in college football. He was placed on leave July 27.
Lombardi joined Belichick at UNC in December 2024, reuniting with the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach. He worked under Belichick with the New England Patriots from 2014 to 2016, and before that with the Cleveland Browns starting in 1987.
Lombardi faced scrutiny on multiple occasions during his time in Chapel Hill, including in February 2025, when he boasted that the Tar Heels "consider ourselves the 33rd NFL team." He also made headlines last September when he informed the Patriots that their scouts would be banned from access to the Tar Heels' program.
"The University will continue its ongoing investigation and will consider all appropriate corrective actions responsive to the information it learns," UNC said in a statement.
Lombardi did not travel with the Tar Heels for their opener last weekend in Ireland against TCU. UNC won 15-10, avenging a 48-14 home loss to the Horned Frogs in Belichick's Tar Heels debut last year.
- ESPN contributed.
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