UNC Defensive Coordinator Steve Belichick Resigns

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North Carolina defensive coordinator Steve Belichick has resigned, Pete Thamel of ESPN reported first. Bill Belichick’s son has been on indefinite medical leave since prior to training camp.

The University has concluded a thorough and independent investigation into allegations related to culture and climate within the Carolina Football program,” the school said in a statement. “The investigation determined that certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina’s values and standards of conduct. The investigation also found that these actions were isolated in scope and not a systemic failure.”

UNC announced on Aug. 6 that the 39-year-old was taking a medical leave of absence, with no timetable set for his return. Belichick had been scheduled to speak with reporters on the first day of training camp on July 30, but his appearance was postponed.

Belichick remained away from the program throughout August, missing both practice periods open to the media during training camp. He also did not travel with the Tar Heels to Ireland for their season opener against TCU on Aug. 29.

In his absence, his father, Bill, told reporters in August that his staff would collectively handle coaching the defense, while On3’s Pete Nakos reported ahead of the season opener that the elder Belichick was expected to handle play-calling duties. Nakos also reported that defensive line coach Bob Diaco, a former head coach at UConn and six-time defensive coordinator, played a significant role in game planning alongside Belichick.

In the season opener against TCU, North Carolina’s defense, without its defensive coordinator, surrendered just 10 points and 281 yards. After allowing 125 yards and all 10 points in the first quarter, the Tar Heels pitched a shutout over the final 45 minutes while holding the Horned Frogs to 156 yards.

Steve Belichick, who played long snapper at Rutgers after four seasons of lacrosse, spent 12 years in New England working under his father on the defensive coaching staff. He spent four years as a defensive assistant (2012-15), four years coaching in the defensive backfield, and his last four years coaching linebackers. Belichick spent the 2024 season as the defensive coordinator for the Washington Huskies before joining his father in Chapel Hill.

Belichick’s 2025 defense ranked 59th nationally in SP+ and 96th in FEI.  Against FBS competition, North Carolina allowed 4.9 yards per play (30th) while limiting opponents to 3.3 plays of 20 yards or more per game (11th). Opponents converted 42.7% of their third-down opportunities, which ranked 95th nationally. 

North Carolina allowed 25.4 points per game in ACC play a season ago, the sixth-best mark in the conference. Defensive lineman Melkart Abou Jaoude also led the ACC with 10.5 sacks on his way to earning Second-Team All-ACC honors.

Greg Barnes contributed to this report.