North Carolina places general manager Mike Lombardi on paid administrative leave

North Carolina placed general manager Mike Lombardi on paid administrative leave Monday, the school announced.

Lombardi, a long-time collaborator with UNC head coach Bill Belichick, has been at UNC since 2024.

The university confirmed Lombardi’s leave, though did not provide specifics, per a statement. Lombardi’s leave is effective immediately.

“The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has placed Michael Lombardi, general manager for the Carolina football program, on paid administrative leave, effective immediately,” a statement from UNC read, via Nakos. “As is standard procedure with personnel matters leadership, staff, and student-athletes are prohibited from addressing this topic further, and has no reflection on the merits.”

Lombardi’s history with Belichick extends back to the coach’s time with the Cleveland Browns. He was initially hired by the team in 1987 and worked his way up into the director of player personnel role, teaming with Belichick to work on the draft and execute player acquisitions.

After Belichick left the Browns, Lombardi worked for various organizations — including the Philadelphia Eagles, Oakland Raiders, Denver Broncos and Browns (for a second time) — before reuniting with Belichick with the New England Patriots.

Lombardi served as the team’s assistant to Belichick for three seasons.

This story will be updated.