North Carolina defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, the son of the team’s head coach Bill Belichick, has resigned as the school concludes an investigation into its football program.
The school released a statement Thursday morning saying Steve Belichick’s resignation would be effective in late October at the conclusion of a medical leave, which was announced early in preseason camp.
That comes after the school’s investigation “determined that certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina’s values and standards of conduct”, according to the statement.
The school said the actions were “isolated in scope” and “not a systemic failure”, and that “corrective actions” are now under way under the watch of the athletic department and the Office of University Counsel.
Earlier this month, the school announced the resignation of general manager Michael Lombardi amid the investigation. Lombardi was an immediate hire by Bill Belichick in his NFL-to-college transition.
Shortly after Lombardi’s resignation on 3 September, Raleigh TV station WRAL reported the type of questions asked of some interviewees during the investigation. Some focused on Steve Belichick, with allegations that he was questioned by lawyers over issues related to drug use.
Last week, reporters asked Bill Belichick whether he had “control” of the program.
“If you’re around here every day, I think you’d see it,” Belichick said.
The school later issued a statement backing the 74-year-old, who won six Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots. The Tar Heels are 2-0 entering their ACC opener against Clemson on Saturday.
