Belichick Denies Losing Control of UNC Program

Bill Belichick said on Monday he does not believe he has lost control of the North Carolina football program, even as questions about an investigation into its off-field conduct dominated his weekly news conference.

The Tar Heels had an open week after their season-opening win over TCU in Ireland on 29 August. During that break, general manager Michael Lombardi resigned, having already been placed on paid administrative leave in late July while the university investigated his conduct. The same day, Raleigh station WRAL reported, citing anonymous sources, that some interview subjects had faced questions centred on Steve Belichick, the Tar Heels' defensive coordinator and the head coach's son, who is currently on medical leave. There have also been allegations that Steve Belichick has been questioned by lawyers over issues related to drug use.

Lombardi's attorney, Tom Mars, told The Athletic that the school's inquiry now extends to questions about potential "inappropriate" relationships not involving his client. Two people with knowledge of the situation had previously told the AP that the investigation began after a human resources complaint from a former employee, the complaint that led to Lombardi being placed on leave in the first place.

Of the 20 minutes Belichick spent with reporters on Monday, roughly the first 13 went to questions unrelated to Saturday's home game against East Tennessee State, including whether his program maintains an atmosphere of rule compliance and whether he still holds control over it.