An attorney representing Michael Lombardi, who has been an integral part of Bill Belichick’s coaching staff, claims a “witch hunt” is occurring in North Carolina.
As North Carolina begins its second year under Belichick’s leadership, Lombardi was placed on administrative leave from his position as general manager of the football program in July. This action follows an investigation related to a human resources complaint made by a former employee.
Reportedly, Lombardi earns a salary of $1.5 million, making him the highest-paid general manager in the NCAA within this new framework that arose during the NIL ERA. With a disappointing 4-8 record in 2025, the salary seems hard to justify.
“If UNC had justifiable reasons to terminate Michael for cause, they wouldn’t need to initiate such an extensive and prolonged investigation. They would have acted by now,” attorney Tom Mars stated in an interview. “I think the investigation’s motives are more complex than just a $1.5 million buyout. After all, UNC could let Michael go (or the athletic director, or any coach) without any reason, merely by paying their buyout. In today’s context, $1.5 million is relatively insignificant, so I suspect there are deeper motivations behind this multi-million-dollar inquiry.”
As North Carolina gears up for its opening match against TCU, an ESPN report indicated that some staff members regard Lombardi as “the most disliked individual in the building.”
Under Belichick’s supervision, Lombardi faces allegations of bullying fellow staff members, disregarding essential compliance protocols, and maintaining an atmosphere of excessive surveillance—akin to practices they used in New England.
Mars emphasized that Lombardi is “fully cooperating” with the investigation and had previously suggested it would be “swift, thorough, and fair.” The College Sports Commission, a newly established oversight entity for college athlete compensation, is currently reviewing the program and Lombardi’s actions.
“He also hasn’t seen any documents that indicate he has done anything wrong or inappropriate,” Mars added.
Lombardi previously worked under Belichick as the director of player personnel during Belichick’s tenure with the Browns from 1992 to 1995. He briefly served as the Browns’ general manager in 2013 before reuniting with Belichick as an assistant coach with the Patriots from 2014 to 2016.
