UNC's Steve Belichick to resign; investigation finds 'a disregard for Carolina's values' WRAL North Carolina DC Steve Belichick resigns as investigation ends ESPN Steve Belichick resigns after investigation finds 'certai...
CHAPEL HILL - University of North Carolina defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, the son of head coach Bill Belichick, is resigning following an internal investigation that found actions within the football program that demonstrated "a disregard for Carolina's values and standards of conduct," the University said Thursday.
Steve Belichick has been on medical leave for more than a month. His resignation will be effective on Oct. 27, when the medical leave ends, the university said. Specifics about his leave haven't been publicly disclosed by the university. Steve Belichick didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
The departure comes two weeks after WRAL reported that outside investigators, hired by UNC, had questioned people close to the program about whether Steve Belichick had used drugs on the job or whether he provided drugs to at least one player. The report cited multiple people familiar with the investigation.
UNC didn't give an explicit reason for his resignation. But it announced the departure in the same statement describing findings of its internal investigation into the "culture and climate" of the football program.
"The investigation determined that certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina's values and standards of conduct," UNC said in its statement. "The investigation also found that these actions were isolated in scope and not a systemic failure."
UNC said the investigation is complete and that "all necessary corrective actions are now underway and will be overseen by Carolina Athletics and the Office of University Counsel."
"Should credible new information arise, the University will evaluate it and take appropriate action consistent with its policies and responsibilities," UNC said.
The departure comes two weeks after the resignation of General manager Michael Lombardi, a longtime confidant of Bill Belichick. Lombardi was placed on paid administrative leave before the season, resigning on Sept. 3, minutes before WRAL published a report about the expanding internal probe.
The UNC statement that announced the investigation's findings also mentioned Lombardi's departure, but it didn't say whether the resignation was a direct result of the investigation. Lombardi hasn't responded to multiple requests for comment. Lombardi's attorney, Tom Mars, previously told WRAL that Lombardi had been interviewed by investigators and that his client had complied with the investigation. Mars has publicly called the investigation a "witch hunt."
UNC also said in its statement Thursday that, separate from the investigation, freshman wide receiver Keeyun Chapman has been suspended indefinitely by the program. Chapman faces a gun charge after a traffic stop Tuesday. Chapman was a passenger in the vehicle, according to police.
"Chapman's suspension, like the actions resulting from the investigation, reflect the university's commitment to accountability and the well-being of its student athletes," the university said. "We believe the steps announced today will help make Carolina Football a stronger program and one that continues to earn the pride of the entire Carolina community."
Steve Belichick is in the final year of a two-year, $2.7 million contract. He previously served as the defensive coordinator at the University of Washington.
North Carolina visits Clemson for its first ACC game of the season Saturday. Chapman and fellow wide receiver C.J. Sadler aren't expected to play in the game. In addition to Chapman's gun charge, Sadler was cited for driving at least 60 mph in a 35-mph zone following the traffic stop on Tuesday.
The resignations, Chapman's gun citation and new details about the investigation add to a multilayered saga that has unfolded since UNC hired NFL coaching legend Bill Belichick in late 2024 to elevate its football program. The head coach's tenure has generated far more off-field headlines than on-field success, including allegations of a divided locker room , questions about the influence his girlfriend has over his media projects, a spate of traffic citations and parking complaints , and the suspension of an assistant coach that coincided with a memo reminding members of the program that selling complimentary tickets could violate NCAA rules.
UNC issued a detailed statement Thursday on its investigation, Belichick and Chapman. Here is the full statement:
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