Why UNC is placing football GM Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave

Why UNC is placing football GM Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Bill Belichick's first hire as the head football coach at North Carolina was Michael Lombardi, who took over as the Tar Heels' general manager with a wealth of NFL front office experience.

Heading into year two, Lombardi's status may be tenuous; he was placed on paid administrative leave, UNC announced Monday morning.

Year one of the Belichick era was a difficult one for the Tar Heels, who finished 4-8, but the hope going into 2026 has been that it will all come together for the legendary NFL head coach. With Lombardi on administrative leave, there will at least be a temporary change in leadership in one of the program's key roles.

Here's a look at UNC's decision to place Lombardi on leave.

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Why UNC GM Michael Lombardi is on paid administrative leave

North Carolina announced Monday that Lombardi has been placed on paid administrative leave, effective immediately, but did not offer an explanation.

North Carolina has place GM Michael Lombardi on leave. pic.twitter.com/OeBTaS5q5Q

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) July 27, 2026

The Tar Heels referred to Lombardi's situation as a "personnel matter" and said other members of the program aren't allowed to discuss it at the moment as a result.

Lombardi was quickly brought on by Belichick in an effort to rebuild the program in the image of NFL teams. "We consider ourselves the 33rd NFL team," Lombardi said shortly after he was hired, in a comment that was mocked when the Tar Heels struggled in 2025. 

Lombardi spent more than three decades working in NFL front offices, including eight years in a prominent role with the Raiders under owner Al Davis and a year as the Browns' general manager in 2013. Lombardi hasn't worked in the NFL since 2016, when he was an assistant to Belichick's coaching staff in New England.