North Carolina places general manager Mike Lombardi on paid administrative leave
The University of North Carolina has placed football general manager Mike Lombardi on paid administrative leave. This decision follows an internal human resources complaint filed by a former staff member. An investigation into the matter is ongoing.
Lombardi joined the UNC staff in 2024 to work alongside head coach Bill Belichick. Their professional history dates back to the late 1980s with the Cleveland Browns. Before his arrival in Chapel Hill, Lombardi held various front-office positions with the New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Oakland Raiders, and Denver Broncos.
Beyond his administrative career, Lombardi maintained a visible profile in sports media. He wrote for NFL.com and appeared on television to discuss league affairs. His public career included sharp criticism of coaching peers, such as his 2017 comments regarding Doug Pederson during Pederson's tenure with the Eagles.
At UNC, Lombardi became the highest-paid general manager in college football with a salary of $1.5 million in 2025. The football program finished with a 4-8 record during his first season. The university stated that current staff and players are restricted from further comment while the investigation proceeds.