Overview
- Head coach Bill Belichick announced Thursday that his son, defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, is on medical leave and the program has not given a timeline for his return.
- Bill Belichick declined to provide medical details and said only that the team hopes Steve will be back "as soon as possible."
- UNC will not name a single interim coordinator and will have the defensive coaches share responsibilities, leaving play-calling and structure to be sorted by the staff.
- The move compounds existing disruption because general manager Michael Lombardi remains on paid administrative leave during a university personnel probe, leaving two senior roles attenuated as camp continues.
- Steve Belichick, 39, built the 2025 defense after more than a decade in New England and a year at Washington, and his absence raises clear risks to preparation and continuity ahead of the Dublin opener.