Steve Belichick has resigned as the University of North Carolina’s defensive coordinator following the conclusion of an internal investigation into the Tar Heels football program. His departure adds another major change to a UNC program led by his father, Bill Belichick.
UNC announced Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, that Steve Belichick’s resignation will become effective Oct. 27, when his current medical leave concludes. The 39-year-old coach had been away from the team since Aug. 6 and did not coach during the opening games of the 2026 season.
Steve Belichick Resigns From UNC
The decision comes after an investigation into the culture, conduct and workplace environment surrounding the North Carolina football program.
According to UNC, the investigation found certain actions that demonstrated a disregard for Carolina’s values and standards of conduct. However, university officials characterized the incidents as isolated and said the review did not identify a broader systemic failure within the football program.
The university has not publicly provided a detailed account of the personnel matters involved, citing confidentiality considerations.
Steve Belichick will remain on medical leave until his resignation becomes official on Oct. 27.
Bill Belichick and Steve Belichick at UNC
Steve Belichick joined his father at North Carolina after building a coaching career that included time with the New England Patriots and the University of Washington.
The father-son combination became one of the most recognizable coaching storylines in college football when Bill Belichick took over as UNC’s head coach and Steve joined his staff.
Before moving to Chapel Hill, Steve Belichick spent more than a decade working within the Patriots organization and eventually became an important part of New England’s defensive staff. He also served as Washington’s defensive coordinator before joining UNC.
Investigation Also Led to Michael Lombardi’s Departure
Steve Belichick’s resignation follows the earlier departure of UNC general manager Michael Lombardi.
Lombardi resigned on Sept. 3 after being placed on administrative leave during the university’s investigation. The inquiry initially involved a personnel matter before expanding into questions surrounding conduct and the workplace environment within the football program.
The investigation has now concluded, according to UNC.
The university said the steps taken as a result of the review are intended to help stabilize the program while its football operation continues.
What Steve Belichick’s Departure Means for UNC
Steve Belichick’s absence had already required North Carolina to adjust its defensive coaching responsibilities because he had been away from the team since early August.
The Tar Heels entered the 2026 season with a 2-0 record and are preparing for a matchup with Clemson. Despite the coaching changes and off-field developments, UNC has continued its season under Bill Belichick and the remaining staff.
With Steve Belichick now set to leave permanently, UNC will have to determine how it handles the defensive coordinator position going forward.
Bill Belichick Remains at North Carolina
Steve Belichick’s resignation does not mean that Bill Belichick is leaving UNC. Current reporting indicates that Bill remains the Tar Heels’ head coach.
The situation nevertheless represents a significant change for a program that brought the father and son together in Chapel Hill. Steve had been part of Bill Belichick’s coaching staff since the beginning of his father’s tenure at North Carolina.
For now, the focus shifts toward UNC’s upcoming games and how the coaching staff manages the transition following Steve Belichick’s departure.
Steve Belichick’s Coaching Career
Steve Belichick established his reputation through defensive coaching roles before joining his father at UNC. His time with the Patriots gave him extensive experience in the NFL, while his season at Washington provided an opportunity to lead a college defense.
His move to North Carolina represented another stage of his coaching career, this time working alongside Bill Belichick in the college game.
The resignation now closes that chapter after less than two full seasons with the Tar Heels.
Latest Steve Belichick News
As of Sept. 17, 2026, Steve Belichick remains on medical leave and is scheduled to formally resign from North Carolina on Oct. 27.
UNC has described the investigation as concluded and said it found isolated actions that did not meet the university’s standards. The university has not released all details of the personnel matters involved.
The next major question for the Tar Heels will be how the defensive staff is reorganized as the team continues the 2026 college football season.
Steve Belichick’s departure also marks another significant development in the coaching tenure of Bill Belichick at North Carolina.
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