North Carolina opened Bill Belichick’s second season with a win in Dublin over TCU, but one of the biggest questions surrounding his program remains back in Chapel Hill.
General manager Michael Lombardi has been on paid administrative leave since July 27 while UNC investigates allegations that prompted the personnel action. More than a month later, his attorney, Tom Mars, didn’t mince words while discussing the internal probe.
Tom Mars Calls UNC Investigation of Michael Lombardi a ‘Witch Hunt’
“If UNC had grounds to fire Michael for cause, they wouldn’t need to conduct such a far-ranging, lengthy witch hunt. They would have done so by now,” Mars told The Athletic.
Mars then pointed to the financial side of Lombardi’s contract. The longtime NFL executive earns $1.5 million annually under a three-year deal running through January 2028.
“I think the motive behind the investigation goes further than a $1.5 million buyout,” Mars said. “After all, UNC could fire Michael (or the athletic director or any head coach) for no reason at all just by paying their buyout. In today’s world, $1.5 million is just a drop in the bucket, so there must be other reasons behind this multimillion-dollar investigation.”
The phrase “multimillion-dollar investigation” is Mars’ characterization. UNC has not publicly disclosed the probe’s cost or detailed the underlying allegations, citing the confidentiality of personnel matters.
UNC initially said its Office of University Counsel was investigating the allegations, then brought in outside attorneys to assist. Nate Huff and McNair Nichols were tapped to handle investigative work, with Wes Camden serving as an adviser.
Mars told The Athletic that he does not recall Lombardi being asked specific questions focused on his own conduct.
“He also wasn’t presented with any documents showing or even suggesting he had done anything wrong or inappropriate,” Mars said.
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The College Sports Commission has added another layer of confusion. Reports in July said the commission had contacted UNC regarding possible revenue-sharing or NIL issues and that Lombardi’s actions could be of interest. Mars, however, said he is unaware of any CSC investigation involving his client and that Lombardi was not questioned about matters under the commission’s jurisdiction.
Earlier Saturday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel said in a separate report that the investigation remained ongoing and described Lombardi’s leave as indefinite. He also noted that people placed on extended administrative leave often do not return to their jobs.
Lombardi’s absence comes after UNC went 4-8 in Belichick’s first season. The roster he helped construct finished No. 85 nationally with a 73.3 Offense Impact Score. UNC pulled off an impressive Week 0 win in Dublin, which will ease some of the pressure on Belichick and Co.
UNC has not announced that Lombardi will be fired, nor has it publicly accused him of specific wrongdoing. Mars’ argument is that after more than a month, the length and scope of the process itself are becoming part of the story.
