Steve Belichick, son of University of North Carolina head football coach Bill Belichick, has resigned as the team’s defensive coordinator, the school announced on Thursday, September 17.
The university did not get into specifics, but said in a release announcing his resignation that it has completed its investigation related to the “culture and climate” of the football program.
“The investigation determined that certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina’s values and standards of conduct,” the statement reads. “The investigation also found that these actions were isolated in scope and not a systemic failure.”
Steve, 39, has been on medical leave since August, missing the Tar Heels’ first two games of the season. He will stay on the payroll until his medical leave ends on October 27.
Tensions inside the University of North Carolina football program are reaching a breaking point. After a brutal 38–10 loss to Clemson on Saturday, October 4, parents of North Carolina football players and members of the university’s leadership are now publicly questioning head coach Bill Belichick’s leadership and the culture surrounding the team. “It’s all starting […]
General manager Michael Lombardi also resigned earlier this month amid the investigation.
“Throughout the investigation, the University has been guided by the legal advice of outside counsel,” the statement continued. “All necessary corrective actions are now underway and will be overseen by Carolina Athletics and the Office of University Counsel. With these actions, the University considers the investigation to be resolved.”
The investigation, first launched in July, covered all corners of the UNC football program and included a probe into whether Steve used drugs on the job or provided drugs to at least one player, according to a report from WRAL.
North Carolina was also investigating whether a member of North Carolina’s recruiting staff had a sexual relationship with a player and whether there were possible sexual relationships between assistant coaches and recruiting staff.
Steve was entering his second season on the Tar Heels’ coaching staff, having followed his father, who took the head coaching job after the 2024 season. He was previously on Bill’s staff with the New England Patriots from 2012 to 2023, before spending the 2024 season as the defensive coordinator at the University of Washington.
Despite his disappointing collegiate coaching start, Bill Belichick isn’t going anywhere. “Despite circulating rumors, I have not and will not pursue any NFL head coaching vacancies,” the University of North Carolina head football coach said in a statement shared via Instagram on Friday, November 15, reaffirming his commitment to the program amid rumors he is […]
Bill, 74, and defensive line coach Bob Diaco had been working together on the team’s defensive schemes in Steve’s absence. North Carolina has not announced an interim defensive coordinator as of Thursday.
The university added in its statement that wide receiver Keeyun Chapman has been suspended indefinitely in connection to an incident that allegedly occurred on Tuesday, September 15.
“Chapman’s suspension, like the actions resulting from the investigation, reflect the University’s commitment to accountability and the well-being of its student-athletes,” the statement read. “We believe the steps announced today will help make Carolina Football a stronger program and one that continues to earn the pride of the entire Carolina community.”
Chapman, a freshman, has not appeared in either of the Tar Heels’ first two games of the season.
North Carolina’s next game will be its conference opener, a road matchup with Clemson on Saturday, September 19.
