In an email the university says "Michael Lombardi, general manager for the Carolina football program, on paid administrative leave, effective immediately."
No other information was provided and the university said because it's a personnel matter, no one at UNC is allowed to discuss the matter.
"As is standard procedure with personnel matters, leadership, staff, and student-athletes are prohibited from addressing this topic further, and has no reflection on the merits," the school said in a statement.
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 earlier with the Cleveland Browns starting in 1987.
Lombardi has faced scrutiny on multiple occasions during his time in Chapel Hill, including his boast in February 2025 when he said 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, according to ESPN.
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