Despite being one of the greatest coaches of all time, Bill Belichick has struggled to get on his feet as the head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels.
After the disappointing 2025 college football season in which UNC ended the year with an overall record of 4-8, this year’s offseason has also been an uphill battle for Belichick and Co.
Bill Belichick’s UNC Faces Another Blow with Steve Belichick’s Medical Leave
Just one week ago, UNC placed its general manager, Michael Lombardi, on paid administrative leave.
The decision stemmed from an HR complaint against Lombardi, filed by a former UNC employee who worked in the front office.
While UNC and Lombardi are under investigation, the program has taken another blow as Bill Belichick’s son, Steve, who was appointed the team’s defensive coordinator, has gone on medical leave.
The college football world on social media reacted to the news as they were surprised by the number of things that had already gone wrong for North Carolina:
“Obviously, medical leave is often out of anyone’s control, and you hope for a speedy recovery and return to work for Steve Belichick. But goodness, it’s always something (whether in their control or not) for the Belichick Era Tar Heels.” ESPN Radio Host Tim Donelly wrote.
Obviously, medical leave is often out of anyone’s control, and you hope for a speedy recovery and return to work for Steve Belichick.
But goodness, it’s always something (whether in their control or not) for the Belichick Era Tar Heels.#GoACC https://t.co/h6uHqp9gSl
— Tim Donnelly (@DonnellySports) August 6, 2026
“All you need to know about UNC right now is that the most stable thing about it is Bobby Petrino.” Heisman Trophy voter Connor O’Gara added.
All you need to know about UNC right now is that the most stable thing about it is Bobby Petrino. https://t.co/hH62JeyxfC
— Connor O’Gara (@cjogara) August 6, 2026
“I might be getting to the point where I start feeling sorry for UNC. I mean, this is freaking crazy, man,” another user on X wrote while sharing his thoughts.
I might be getting to the point where I start feeling sorry for UNC. I mean, this is freaking crazy man. https://t.co/Vit5XyICWX
— Salzy91 / Isaac Sowells Jr Stan (@Salzy0991) August 6, 2026
“Jeez.” Yahoo Sports writer Dan Wolken reacted.
One fan added, “This is what you all thought the Colorado Buffaloes program was going to be after Deion, Coach Prime, took over.”
Another user on X said, “We truly cursed, something always go wrong.”
MORE: ‘Channeling His Inner Lou Holtz’ — Brian Kelly’s Notre Dame Prediction For 2026 Wins No Fans
”More tough news for UNC, as defensive coordinator Steve Belichick is on medical leave.” Pete Thamel said.
One account named Treadmill Horse said, “UNC’s football season has disaster written all over it.”
UNC’s football season has disaster written all over it https://t.co/Ui2dCLYN6e
— Treadmill Horse (@treadmillhorse) August 6, 2026
Talking about whether Steve will be back for UNC’s season opener on August 29 against TCU in Ireland, Bill said the team looks forward to getting their defensive coordinator back “as soon as possible.”
When asked whether there will be an interim defensive coordinator, the UNC head coach said the staff coaches defense collectively, and that’s how they will continue to do it.
