UNC football GM Michael Lombardi placed on paid administrative leave

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has placed Michael Lombardi, general manager for the UNC football program, on paid administrative leave "effective immediately."

UNC's vice chancellor Dean Stoyer did not share the reason in Monday's announcement but released the following statement:

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"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."

READ MORE: Timeline: A look at Michael Lombardi's career

Lombardi earned $1.5 million in 2025, according to a salary database of UNC System employees. His son Matt is the team's quarterbacks coach.

WRAL previously reported that Lombardi was one of head coach Bill Belichick's first hires, working with him at NFL stops in Cleveland and New England. Lombardi also worked in the front offices for San Francisco, Philadelphia, Oakland and Denver over more than 30 years in the NFL. He served as the recruiting coordinator at UNLV in the early 1980s, his only previous college experience.

WRAL News is working to learn why Lombardi was placed on paid leave. Lombardi didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from WRAL.

On Thursday, UNC will open its second fall practice under Belichick. Belichick is expected to be available to the media after practice.

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