UNC DC Steve Belichick on indefinite medical leave
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- Steve Belichick has been placed on indefinite medical leave from his role as North Carolina's defensive coordinator, his father and head coach Bill Belichick announced Thursday.
- Bill Belichick declined to share details or confirm whether Steve would coach UNC's Aug. 29 opener against TCU in Ireland, saying only they "look forward to getting him back as soon as possible."
- Steve Belichick, 39, served as UNC's defensive coordinator under his father last season and previously spent time on Bill's New England Patriots staff.
- Bill Belichick said UNC's defensive staff will coach "collectively" to cover Steve's responsibilities, and would consider naming an interim coordinator if Steve remains out for the opener.
- Michael Lombardi, UNC's general manager, was placed on leave last month while the school investigates his conduct — marking the second key football program staffer sidelined as fall practice begins.
Why it matters: UNC's defensive coordinator is out indefinitely just as fall practice opens and the Aug. 29 season opener against TCU in Ireland approaches, forcing Bill Belichick to lean on his collective staff or name an interim. The leave compounds program turbulence after general manager Michael Lombardi was placed on leave last month pending a conduct investigation.
