UNC Chancellor addresses Michael Lombardi investigation as Tar Heels open fall football camp

North Carolina football opens fall training camp Thursday as the Tar Heels begin preparations for the 2026 season under head coach Bill Belichick.

>The start of camp also comes as UNC navigates an off-field issue involving general manager Michael Lombardi. The school announced Monday that

>Lombardi had been placed on leave but didn't provide a reason, noting that employees and athletes aren't permitted to address the topic "as is standard procedure with personnel matters."

UNC leaders defend football program amid probeUniversity leaders said their focus remains on the football program and its student-athletes as an investigation involving the program's general manager continues.

>WATCH: ESPN insider, ABC11 discuss latest on UNC investigation

>ESPN's David Hale gives the latest information on what we know about the UNC program and the Michael Lombardi investigation.

>"I'm disappointed that we're talking about this," Chancellor Lee Roberts said. "We should be focusing on our student athletes and on their success on the field ... so it's distressing to me and everyone else in the administration entrusted with leadership at this remarkable university, that this is something that we have to have to spend time on."

>Roberts also addressed the direction of the program amid the investigation, expressing confidence in football coach Bill Belichick and the team's preparation for the upcoming season.

>"Coach Belichick is the most successful coach in the history of the sport. I know he's focused on getting the team ready for the season. I think we start practice Thursday and everyone is excited to kick off the season against TCU in the Dublin game," Roberts said.

>WATCH: Belichick keeps it light on the first day of practice

>UNC head coach Bill Belichick kept it light on the first day of practice despite the off-field issues plaguing the program.

>Meanwhile, the UNC Board of Trustees discussed several issues Thursday, including athletic spending.

>UNC spent a record $188 million on athletics during the 2024-25 academic year. Football accounted for the largest share of that spending, including coaching salaries, benefits and bonuses.

>"Athletics costs continue to skyrocket across the board," Roberts said.

>Despite the rising costs, the football program generated a $14 million profit.

>It remains unclear how long Lombardi's leave will last or whether the investigation will affect his contract. Some Tar Heel fans, however, said they continue to support Belichick's leadership.

>"I feel like it's good," UNC student Bennett Corley said. "I think he's surrounded himself with people with a good background ... I've supported what he's done hiring so far."

>UNC officials have not provided additional details about the investigation, and questions remain about its potential impact on the football program.

Belichick addresses Lombardi issueBefore the Board of Trustees meeting, Belichick was asked about Lombardi's absence as the Tar Heels held their first official practice of fall camp.

>"We're working through some things," Belichick said. "We're at a particular time of year now where there are certain things that are in play and certain things that aren't in play that won't happen until later in the calendar year at some other point.

>"Again, we're taking it day to day, and working through the things that are on the table now."

>WATCH: Bill Belichick addresses media as UNC kicks off fall camp

>FULL: Bill Belichick addresses media as UNC kicks off fall camp

>On Thursday, Belichick didn't specify exactly how Lombardi's responsibilities have been divided among the staff, referencing only "a few adjustments" when asked how much the GM's absence has changed his daily workload.

>Earlier this week, ABC11 spoke with ESPN's David Hale, who said colleague Pete Thamel reported the issue "revolves around an HR dispute for someone who was let go by Michael Lombardi, where there's an internal investigation that's ongoing, and that's where the suspension comes from."

>Lombardi joined Belichick at UNC in December 2024, reuniting with the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach. He worked under Belichick with the New England Patriots from 2014 to 2016 and earlier with the Cleveland Browns beginning in 1987.

>Lombardi has faced scrutiny on multiple occasions during his time in Chapel Hill, including when he said in February 2025 that the Tar Heels "consider ourselves the 33rd NFL team." He also made headlines last September when he informed the Patriots that their scouts would be banned from access to the Tar Heels' program.

>UNC went 4-8 last season under Belichick and did not have any players selected in this year's NFL draft.

>The Tar Heels open their second season under Belichick on Aug. 29 against TCU in Dublin, Ireland.

>ESPN and Associated Press contributed to this report.