North Carolina football has announced another major change to its coaching and football operations structure.
Steve Belichick has resigned as the Tar Heels’ defensive coordinator, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Belichick had been on medical leave since Aug. 6 and had not returned to the team.
UNC confirmed the resignation Thursday as part of a broader statement regarding its investigation into the football program.
Belichick’s resignation is effective Oct. 27, 2026, according to the university’s statement.
Steve Belichick Had Been Away From Team Since August
Bill Belichick announced on Aug. 6 that his son was taking medical leave.
At the time, the UNC head coach said Steve was dealing with a medical situation and that he could not provide additional details. The university subsequently provided no public timetable for his return.
Steve Belichick did not travel with the Tar Heels for their season-opening trip to Ireland and remained away from the program through UNC’s first two games.
Despite his absence, North Carolina opened the 2026 season 2-0, defeating TCU 15-10 in Ireland before beating East Tennessee State 35-3.
The Tar Heels’ defense allowed just 13 points across those two games while the defensive staff collectively handled responsibilities during Belichick’s absence.
UNC Investigation Also Concluded
The university’s announcement regarding Belichick came alongside an update on its investigation into the football program.
According to UNC, the independent investigation determined that certain actions demonstrated a disregard for the university’s values and standards of conduct. The university characterized those actions as isolated rather than a systemic failure.
UNC said corrective actions are underway and that it considers the investigation resolved, while noting that it would not comment further on individual personnel matters.
Earlier this month, Michael Lombardi resigned as UNC’s general manager, adding another significant departure from the program. Lombardi’s resignation became effective Sept. 3.
Belichick’s UNC Tenure Ends
Steve Belichick joined his father at North Carolina in 2025 after previously serving as Washington’s defensive coordinator.
Before that, he spent more than a decade with the New England Patriots organization, working in several defensive roles and eventually becoming the team’s defensive play-caller.
His first season at UNC saw the Tar Heels’ defense finish No. 38 nationally in total defense and No. 25 in yards allowed per play, according to WRAL.
Now, with his resignation, North Carolina will move forward without Steve Belichick on its coaching staff.
The timing comes just two days before the Tar Heels’ first ACC game of the season against Clemson.
