IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Aug 6, 2026 2:26 PM
As Bill Belichick faces mounting pressure in Chapel Hill, a sudden medical leave for his son and defensive coordinator leaves the North Carolina Tar Heels scrambling before their Dublin opener.
North Carolina entered training camp without its general manager, Michael Lombardi, after he was placed on paid administrative leave in July. Now, the program is without its defensive coordinator with less than a month before the regular season starts.
UNC head coach Bill Belichick addressed reporters on Thursday. During his news conference, he revealed his son, Stephen Belichick, is on medical leave in the second week of training camp.
Belichick didn't reveal how long Steve would be out or if he'd return in time for North Carolina to play TCU in Dublin, Ireland, on Aug. 29.
“We look forward to getting him back as soon as possible,” Bill Belichick said, via WRAL.
Stephen, 39, was a longtime defensive assistant with the Patriots (winning three Super Bowls) before becoming the defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach for the Washington Huskies in 2024. He joined UNC in 2025.
North Carolina ranked No. 38 in total defense last season. The defense was the best part of the 4-8 team in 2025. The unit is expected to be the best part of the team this year despite making changes in the offseason, including the hire of new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino.
While Stephen is out, the Tar Heels defense coaches plan to work collectively.
Belichick entered the offseason facing a lot of criticism after a disappointing start to his tenure in Chapel Hill. Given the new distractions UNC faces before the season, the pressure is only ratcheting up for the team to win games.
In July, Belichick argued the team is better set up for success in 2026.
"Most of the national publications ... ranked us in the top 15 in your recruiting class," Belichick said. "So I think if you recruit good players, you're going to have good teams.
"If you don't recruit good players, then you're probably going to have a hard time breaking into that level. So I think we have to consistently bring in good players, continue to work hard, improve and develop them. And I'm confident that we'll be there. It's a process."
It won't be ideal for the defense to be without its defensive coordinator early in training camp to help with the process.
Comments
Powered by RoundtableBuilt on infrastructure designed for real-time media. Learn more at RTB.io.© Roundtable 2026. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy