Internal turmoil deepens in Chapel Hill as Steve Belichick exits following a conduct investigation, leaving the undefeated Tar Heels to navigate a high-stakes showdown against Clemson under fire.
Former North Carolina chair of the board of trustees John Preyer told Sally Jenkins of The Atlantic that Bill Belichick has been embroiled in a civil war ever since he took the head coaching job before the 2025 season.
Earlier this month, Michael Lombardi stepped down as the general manager of the Tar Heels after being placed on paid administrative leave amid an investigation. Days before UNC is set to play Clemson on Saturday, a coach has resigned from his position.
North Carolina defensive coordinator Steve Belichick has been on medical leave since early August, missing the Tar Heels season-opening win against TCU and UNC's win against ETSU in Week 2.
Per ESPN's Pete Thamel, Steve resigned from his position.
"Sources: Steve Belichick has resigned as North Carolina’s defensive coordinator," Thamel posted on X. "He’s been on medical leave since August 6."
"UNC confirms and considers the internal investigation resolved: 'The investigation determined that certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina’s values and standards of conduct. The investigation also found that these actions were isolated in scope and not a systemic failure.'
Bill Belichick has been mum on the status of Steve since he's been placed on medical leave. There have been reports of off-the-field reasons for the investigations surrounding the program.
Without Steve, UNC has had a strong start to the season on defense, allowing just 10 points in its win over TCU in Week 0. They allowed ETSU one field goal in a 35-3 win.
North Carolina will next face a Clemson team that has struggled on offense in recent weeks and will be without quarterback Christopher Vizzina, who suffered an elbow injury to his left (non-throwing) side against GA Southern in Week 2.
Per Pete Nakos of On3, Bill Belichick and defensive line coach Bob Diaco have worked together on defensive game prep to begin the season. Bill has been the team's play caller through the first two games.
The optics don't look good for North Carolina before their Week 3 matchup despite a 2-0 record. The best medicine for Bill would be a win over Clemson.
