Bill Belichick already has a familiar face joining him in Chapel Hill.
Former NFL executive Michael Lombardi will leave his position as VSiN host to become general manager of the University of North Carolina football program, the sports betting network announced Wednesday night.
The news came hours after Belichick agreed to become the Tar Heels' next head football coach.
“I'm excited to join Coach Belichick at the University of North Carolina.” Lombardi told VSiN.. “While it is difficult to leave the VSIN family, I am excited to help build a winning program. I will be forever grateful to the wonderful people at VSIN, especially Bill Addy and the Musburger family.”
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Lombardi was “essential” in bringing Belichick to UNC.
Lombardi, who once worked as UNLV's recruiting coordinator, has been the face of NFL front offices for years, and unsurprisingly, his last jobs in the league were with the Patriots and Belichick as an assistant on New England's coaching staff. Ta.
The two previously worked together in Cleveland when Mr. Belichick was the Browns' head coach and Mr. Lombardi was the director of pro personnel and director of player personnel.
He won three Super Bowls while working on an NFL staff, two of them with Belichick and the Patriots.
Most recently, Belichick and Lombardi worked together with former Patriots assistant Matt Patricia. On the podcast “Coach”.
Belichick, who signed a five-year contract, said in a statement that he is excited to lead the Tar Heels' football program to prominence.
“I'm excited about the opportunity at UNC-Chapel Hill. I grew up around college football with my dad and cherished that time. I've always wanted to coach in college, so now I'm excited about the opportunity at UNC-Chapel Hill. I look forward to building the football program in Chapel Hill.”
