UNC opens fall camp as questions linger over GM Michael Lombardi's leave

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina football opens fall camp Thursday as the Tar Heels begin preparations for the 2026 season under head coach Bill Belichick.

The start of camp also comes as UNC navigates an off-field issue involving general manager Michael Lombardi, who was recently placed on administrative leave. UNC announced this decision Monday and has not publicly released additional details about it.

"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.

UNC went 4-8 last season under Belichick and did not have any players selected in this year's NFL draft.

The Tar Heels open their second season under Belichick in just under five weeks, on Aug. 29 against TCU in Dublin, Ireland.

Thursday's media availability is expected to start at 8:30 a.m.

ESPN contributed to this report.