This week brought closure to some of the chaos around the North Carolina football program. An investigation into conduct within the program, which followed troubling reports by WRAL of drug use and inappropriate sexual relationships within the program, ended with two high-profile resignations: general manager Michael Lombardi and defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, two figures extremely close to head coach Bill Belichick.
That brings an end to an ugly chapter for the Tar Heels, who’ve been anything but disciplined and buttoned up since the legendary former New England Patriots coach took over the program ahead of the 2025 season. Even amid the investigation, the start to his second campaign in Chapel Hill brought serious signs of progress. Saturday’s 28–20 loss at Clemson—a game bifurcated by a 2.5-hour lightning delay—dampened those positive feelings.
