UNC coach Bill Belichick said Thursday that the football program has “made a few adjustments” regarding day-to-day managerial responsibilities after general manager Michael Lombardi was put on administrative leave Monday by the university.
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While a UNC spokesman said Belichick was barred from addressing the matter during his press conference ahead of preseason camp Thursday at the Kenan Football Center, the second-year coach was asked about the back-of-house adjustments relating to Lombardi’s role.
“We’re working through some things,” Belichick said. “We’re at a particular time of year now where there are certain things that are in play, and certain things that aren’t in play that won’t happen until later in the calendar year at some other points. So, we’re taking it day to day and work through the things that are on the table now.”
Lombardi’s leave was announced Monday by a university spokesman. Several outlets, including ESPN, reported that it stemmed from a human resources complaint from a former UNC front office employee.
“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,” the university statement read.
On Thursday morning, UNC acknowledged an internal investigation is underway.
“As a result of concerns behind allegations that led to the personnel action regarding Michael Lombardi announced on July 27,” a university statement said, “the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, through its Office of University Counsel, is in the process of investigating this matter.”
The Athletic also reported that UNC has also “been approached” by the College Sports Commission — which looks into name, image and likeness and revenue-sharing rule violations — for an investigation, with Lombardi’s “actions believed to be of interest.”
When the News & Observer approached UNC regarding reports of the CSC investigation, a spokesman referred us to the original statement about Lombardi’s leave. The CSC declined to comment and said it does not confirm or deny the existence of investigations.
Belichick declined to answer a question about the CSC investigation.
“Next question,” he said.
Lombardi is making $1.5 million a year at UNC, marking him the highest-paid general manager in college football, at least among those whose salaries are publicly reported. He was Belichick’s first hire after the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach signed a $10 million a year salary.
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In Lombardi and Belichick’s first season, UNC finished with a 4-8 record, with half of its wins coming against FCS opponents. Entering their second year, Belichick praised the team’s new culture at ACC Kickoff.
In the offseason, UNC retooled with many high school recruits. As a result, the average age of its roster is 19.96, which ranks 127th in college football, according to RotoWire. Though it also added several transfers, including a pair of veteran quarterbacks, looking for an opportunity in Chapel Hill.
UNC’s quarterbacks coach Matt Lombardi is Lombardi’s son, and he, too, is entering his second season with the program.
Michael Lombardi’s appointment as UNC’s general manager marked his first college job since leaving UNLV in 1984. He spent most of his career with NFL teams, working up from a scout with the San Francisco 49ers to assistant to the Coaching Staff with the New England Patriots.
Last season, Lombardi came under fire for traveling to Saudi Arabia for an “exploratory” fundraising meeting, The Athletic reported. UNC later confirmed the trip to the News & Observer, but said the school did not pay for the trip. It also claimed that reports about a Saudi investment in the program were inaccurate.
Fans also mocked his comment about UNC being the “33rd (NFL) team” after the program recorded a losing record and zero NFL Draft picks last season.
UNC kicks off its season with a Week 0 contest on Aug. 29 against TCU in Ireland, and at least for now, Lombardi is sidelined.
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