UNC football could face bigger issues after Michael Lombardi put on leave - New York Post

What the report says

The New York Post reported that North Carolina’s football program is facing a new potential complication shortly after general manager Michael Lombardi was placed on paid administrative leave. Citing reporting by Pablo Torre and The Athletic, the Post said the College Sports Commission is investigating the Tar Heels, with Lombardi’s conduct believed to be among the matters drawing interest.

The CSC is a relatively new college sports enforcement body focused on Name, Image and Likeness and revenue-sharing compliance, including review of third-party athlete deals. Separately, the Post cited ESPN’s Pete Thamel in reporting that Lombardi’s leave is tied to a human resources complaint filed by a former employee in UNC’s football front office. UNC said Lombardi was placed on paid leave immediately and described limits on public comment as standard for personnel matters, adding that the step should not be read as a judgment on the underlying issue.

Lombardi, a longtime NFL executive, joined North Carolina with head coach Bill Belichick before the 2025 season and was Belichick’s first hire after taking the Tar Heels job. The Post reported Lombardi earns $1.5 million annually, making him the highest-paid general manager in college football. He previously worked with Belichick during NFL stops with the Browns and Patriots.

The developments matter because they involve both an internal personnel issue and a possible external review of compliance matters at a prominent ACC program. The Post framed the situation as another setback for UNC as it moves toward Belichick’s second season after a 4-8 debut year in Chapel Hill.