Daily News 19

Tag: Steve Belichick

  • North Carolina Defensive Coordinator Steve Belichick Resigns as Investigation Concludes

    North Carolina Defensive Coordinator Steve Belichick Resigns as Investigation Concludes

    North Carolina defensive coordinator Steve Belichick has resigned amid the conclusion of an internal investigation into the football program’s culture under head coach Bill Belichick. The university announced the investigation’s findings Thursday alongside Belichick’s resignation, stating the probe revealed “isolated” disregard for program values and standards of conduct.

    University Statement on Investigation Findings

    In a statement released Thursday, the school characterized the issues as limited in scope.

    “These actions were isolated in scope and not a systemic failure,” the school said in a statement Thursday. “… All necessary corrective actions are now underway and will be overseen by Carolina Athletics and the Office of University Counsel. With these actions, the University considers the investigation to be resolved.”

    Investigation Scope and Personnel Changes

    According to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the proceedings, the investigation was wide-ranging and included questions about sexual relationships between staff and players as well as drug use within the program.

    Steve Belichick, 39, will officially leave the program on October 27, following the conclusion of his medical leave, which began August 6. The school did not specifically connect Belichick or former general manager Michael Lombardi, who also resigned earlier this month, to the investigation despite mentioning both in Thursday’s statement.

    Player Suspensions and Legal Issues

    Compounding the program’s off-field challenges, two UNC football players face charges following a traffic stop earlier this week. Keeyun Chapman was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, while C.J. Sadler was charged with speeding. A police report indicated this was Sadler’s third speeding citation in two months, and approximately 15 grams of marijuana was also found in the vehicle.

    Chapman has been suspended indefinitely, according to the school, and both players are listed as “out” on North Carolina’s availability report for this week’s game at Clemson.

    University Response to Player Discipline

    The school connected Chapman’s suspension to the broader accountability efforts.

    “Chapman’s suspension, like the actions resulting from the investigation, reflect the University’s commitment to accountability and the well-being of its student athletes,” the school said in a statement. “We believe the steps announced today will help make Carolina Football a stronger program and one that continues to earn the pride of the entire Carolina community.”

    On-Field Performance Amid Controversy

    Despite the numerous off-field controversies, North Carolina has opened the season 2-0 after wins over TCU and East Tennessee State.

  • Steve Belichick Resigns After UNC Football Investigation

    Steve Belichick Resigns After UNC Football Investigation

    The University of North Carolina released a statement Thursday morning addressing the concluded investigation into the Tar Heels football program. The university announced that defensive coordinator Steve Belichick will resign from his post at the conclusion of his medical leave on Oct. 27. This marks the second major departure linked to the probe, following the resignation of former general manager Michael Lombardi on Sept. 3.

    Investigation Findings and University Response

    According to the university statement, the investigation “determined that certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina’s values and standards of conduct” but were “isolated in scope and not a systemic failure.”

    “Throughout the investigation, the University has been guided by the legal advice of outside counsel,” the university said in a statement. “All necessary corrective actions are now underway and will be overseen by Carolina Athletics and the Office of University Counsel. With these actions, the University considers the investigation to be resolved.”

    “Consistent with University policy regarding personnel matters, there will be no further comment on individuals,” the statement continued. “As always, should credible new information arise, the University will evaluate it and take appropriate action consistent with its policies and responsibilities.”

    Separate Player Suspension

    The statement also disclosed a separate disciplinary matter involving freshman wide receiver Keeyun Chapman. Chapman was suspended from the program in relation to an incident on Tuesday. He was arrested and charged with carrying a concealed weapon following a traffic stop Tuesday night.

    This is a developing story and will be updated.

  • UNC’s Steve Belichick to Resign After Investigation Finds ‘a disregard for Carolina’s values’

    UNC’s Steve Belichick to Resign After Investigation Finds ‘a disregard for Carolina’s values’

    CHAPEL HILL — University of North Carolina defensive coordinator Steve Belichick is resigning following an internal investigation that found actions within the football program demonstrating “a disregard for Carolina’s values and standards of conduct,” the university announced Thursday.

    Belichick, the son of head coach Bill Belichick, has been on medical leave for more than a month. His resignation takes effect October 27, when the medical leave concludes, according to the university. Specific details regarding the medical leave have not been publicly disclosed.

    Investigation Focus and Findings

    Outside investigators hired by UNC previously questioned individuals close to the program about whether Steve Belichick had used drugs on the job or provided drugs to at least one player, according to people familiar with the investigation who spoke with WRAL.

    UNC stated Thursday that its internal investigation into the “culture and climate” of the football program found actions that demonstrated “a disregard for Carolina’s values and standards of conduct.”

    “The investigation determined that certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina’s values and standards of conduct,” UNC said in a statement. “The investigation also found that these actions were isolated in scope and not a systemic failure.”

    Leadership Departures

    The development follows the resignation of General Manager Michael Lombardi, a longtime confidant of Bill Belichick, two weeks earlier. Lombardi was placed on paid administrative leave before the season and resigned on September 3, minutes before WRAL published a report about the expanding internal probe.

    Player Suspension

    Additionally, freshman wide receiver Keeyun Chapman has been suspended indefinitely by the program. Chapman faces a gun charge after he was a passenger in a teammate’s car during a traffic stop Tuesday.

    “Chapman’s suspension, like the actions resulting from the investigation, reflect the university’s commitment to accountability and the well-being of its student athletes,” the university said. “We believe the steps announced today will help make Carolina Football a stronger program and one that continues to earn the pride of the entire Carolina community.”

    Contract Details and Upcoming Game

    Steve Belichick is in the final year of a two-year, $2.7 million contract. He previously served as the defensive coordinator at the University of Washington.

    North Carolina visits Clemson for its first ACC game of the season Saturday.

    Full UNC Statement

    “The University has concluded a thorough and independent investigation into allegations related to culture and climate within the Carolina football program.

    “The investigation determined that certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina’s values and standards of conduct. The investigation also found that these actions were isolated in scope and not a systemic failure.

    “As the University previously announced, General Manager Michael Lombardi resigned from the program effective September 3. Steve Belichick has resigned from his position of defensive coordinator, effective October 27, 2026, following the conclusion of his current medical leave.

    “Throughout the investigation, the University has been guided by the legal advice of outside counsel. All necessary corrective actions are now underway and will be overseen by Carolina Athletics and the Office of University Counsel. With these actions, the University considers the investigation to be resolved.

    “Consistent with University policy regarding personnel matters, there will be no further comment on individuals. As always, should credible new information arise, the University will evaluate it and take appropriate action consistent with its policies and responsibilities.

    “Separately, Carolina Football has suspended Keeyun Chapman from the team indefinitely in connection with an incident Tuesday night. Chapman’s suspension, like the actions resulting from the investigation, reflect the University’s commitment to accountability and the well-being of its student athletes. We believe the steps announced today will help make Carolina Football a stronger program and one that continues to earn the pride of the entire Carolina community.”

  • Bill Belichick Steps Up in Dublin as UNC Activates Emergency Plan Against TCU

    Bill Belichick Steps Up in Dublin as UNC Activates Emergency Plan Against TCU

    Bill Belichick Takes Over UNC Defensive Play-Calling Against TCU

    Bill Belichick assumed an unexpected responsibility when North Carolina opened its 2026 season against TCU in Dublin. With defensive coordinator Steve Belichick still away from the program on medical leave, the veteran head coach called the Tar Heels’ defensive plays himself.

    ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported the development shortly before kickoff. The move changes what North Carolina had previously described as a collective approach to managing Steve Belichick’s absence.

    Steve Belichick did not travel with the team to Ireland, leaving his father to take charge of a role familiar to one of football’s most accomplished defensive minds. Steve was placed on medical leave on Aug. 6, and Bill Belichick declined to discuss the circumstances or provide a potential return date.

    At the time, the coach said the program hoped to have his son back as soon as possible. Weeks later, there is still no public timetable, and North Carolina has now played its first game without its defensive coordinator.

    TCU Presents Immediate Test for North Carolina Defense

    The timing is especially significant because TCU handed Belichick a difficult introduction to college football last season. The Horned Frogs overcame an early deficit to defeat North Carolina 48-14.

    TCU produced 542 yards of offense, ran for 258 yards and took full advantage of North Carolina turnovers. That result remains a clear measuring stick for a Tar Heels team trying to show that last year’s 4-8 campaign was an aberration rather than the start of a larger decline.

    Belichick was therefore forced to put his defensive expertise directly to work against a TCU offense that has also undergone changes. Gordon Sammis is taking over as offensive coordinator, while Jaden Craig is expected to lead the Horned Frogs at quarterback.

    Those changes create uncertainty, but TCU’s offensive potential still represents a major challenge for North Carolina.

    Bill Belichick Faces Pressure on Multiple Fronts

    The defensive situation is only one part of North Carolina’s complicated offseason. General manager Michael Lombardi has also been on leave, while Belichick enters his second season under considerable scrutiny after an underwhelming debut.

    The Tar Heels averaged just 19.2 points per game in 2025, ranking near the bottom nationally. That offensive ineffectiveness contributed to a disappointing 4-8 record and increased the pressure on the program to demonstrate immediate progress.

    North Carolina has tried to address its quarterback situation by adding Wisconsin transfer Billy Edwards Jr. The signal-caller is expected to provide a spark after the Tar Heels struggled to generate consistent offense last season.

    His ability to protect the football and create scoring opportunities could be crucial as North Carolina attempts to reverse its fortunes.

    The defense must also overcome the loss of several important contributors, making Steve Belichick’s absence even more consequential. Bill Belichick has less margin for error as he works to establish a more reliable unit.

    After last year’s 48-14 defeat, TCU provides a particularly demanding test. With his son unavailable and expectations already rising, Bill Belichick has been forced to take command at a critical moment for the North Carolina program.

  • Bill Belichick to Begin North Carolina Season Without Key Figure

    Bill Belichick to Begin North Carolina Season Without Key Figure

    Bill Belichick’s second season as North Carolina’s head coach will begin without defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, who remains on indefinite medical leave.

    Steve Belichick is not expected to be with the Tar Heels when they open the 2026 season against TCU on Saturday, Aug. 29, in Dublin, Ireland. The 39-year-old coach, who is the son of the six-time Super Bowl champion head coach, has been away from the team since early August.

    North Carolina has not provided further details about Steve Belichick’s medical situation or announced a timetable for his return. The program has also declined to release additional public information about his absence.

    Bill Belichick expected to handle defensive play-calling

    Steve Belichick’s absence leaves North Carolina without the coach responsible for coordinating a defense that must make significant improvements this season.

    He served as the Tar Heels’ defensive coordinator last year after previously working on his father’s staff with the New England Patriots. Steve Belichick also spent the 2024 season as Washington’s defensive coordinator.

    With Steve unavailable, Bill Belichick and defensive line coach Bob Diaco have reportedly worked together throughout the preseason to prepare the defense. Bill Belichick is expected to handle defensive play-calling duties against TCU, adding another major responsibility to his game-day role.

    The veteran coach has previously declined to discuss his son’s medical leave in detail. Instead, he has emphasized that North Carolina’s defense is being prepared collectively by the coaching staff and that the group will continue working together despite Steve’s absence.

    North Carolina faces TCU in Dublin

    The adjustment will be tested immediately against TCU. The game will be North Carolina’s first international football matchup, with the Tar Heels traveling to Dublin for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium.

    Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET, and the game will air on ESPN.

    There is significant pressure on Belichick in the season opener. His first season in Chapel Hill ended with a disappointing 4-8 record, leaving North Carolina needing to show meaningful progress in year two.

    The program will hope the experience of its Hall of Fame-caliber head coach can produce better results on the field. After facing TCU, North Carolina will return home to prepare for East Tennessee State before beginning a demanding stretch of ACC play.

    That schedule makes a strong opening performance even more important. For now, the Tar Heels must prepare for the season opener without Steve Belichick on the sideline.

    His health remains the primary concern, but his absence also places additional responsibility on Bill Belichick and the rest of North Carolina’s defensive staff. How effectively the Tar Heels adjust without their defensive coordinator could become one of the early storylines of the 2026 season.

    Source: www.marca.com