The University of North Carolina has placed football general manager Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave, the school announced Monday. The move comes just days before the Tar Heels open their preseason camp for the upcoming football season. The university did not provide specific details regarding the reason for the leave, citing standard protocol that precludes employees and athletes from discussing ongoing personnel matters.

Lombardi, 67, is a longtime football executive with extensive NFL experience. He previously served as the general manager of the Cleveland Browns in 2013 and worked alongside head coach Bill Belichick in various capacities, including a stint as an assistant on the New England Patriots coaching staff from 2014 to 2016. His relationship with Belichick dates back further to their time together with the Browns in the early 1990s.

The decision to place Lombardi on leave is reportedly connected to a complaint filed with the university’s human resources department, according to multiple media reports. Additionally, sources indicate that the move may be related to an ongoing investigation by the College Sports Commission, the regulatory body overseeing revenue sharing and name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements in collegiate athletics. Reports suggest that Lombardi’s conduct has become a focus of interest for the commission, although no formal allegations have been publicly detailed.

Lombardi joined the University of North Carolina’s football program following the school’s hiring of Bill Belichick as head coach in December 2024. Both men transitioned from NFL careers to their current roles at the collegiate level.

At this time, the university has not commented further on the investigation or any potential outcomes. The Tar Heels football program is preparing for its upcoming season amid the administrative changes.