Belichick’s $914K UNC probe bill fuels new Lombardi questions

The University of North Carolina has spent more than $914,000 on an investigation into its football program.

That investigation ended with the departures of general manager Michael Lombardi and defensive coordinator Steve Belichick.

New records obtained by WRAL News reveal how much UNC paid outside law firms to examine the matter involving Bill Belichick’s coaching staff.

The investigation began in July.

It looked into complaints about the program’s workplace culture and staff conduct.

UNC received bills totaling more than $914,000 from three law firms hired during the investigation.

Barnes & Thornburg handled most of the work.

The firm charged the university more than $821,000, including expenses.

Lead investigator Nate Huff spent nearly 200 hours on the case.

Partner McNair Nichols recorded close to 300 hours.

Overall, 16 employees from Barnes & Thornburg worked more than 1,000 hours on the investigation.

The firm also reported more than $15,000 in expenses, which were included in its total bill.

The other two firms involved were K&L Gates and Williams Mullen.

K&L Gates handled some of the early work before the investigation moved to Barnes & Thornburg.

Williams Mullen was hired to advise UNC on legal questions connected to the matter.

The investigation officially began on July 30.

That was three days after UNC placed Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave.

Lombardi earned an annual salary of $1.5 million.

He was one of Bill Belichick’s first hires after the head coach took over the Tar Heels in December 2024.

Lombardi later resigned on September 3.

The university did not share the full details behind the complaints when Lombardi was first placed on leave.

However, ESPN reporter Pete Thamel reported in July that a former football staff member had filed a complaint with the university’s human resources department.

The investigation went beyond the complaints involving Lombardi.

It examined the football program’s wider workplace culture, staff conduct, and compliance practices.

Investigators spoke with more than 60 people, including head coach Bill Belichick.

According to WRAL News, the inquiry also covered allegations involving possible drug use, inappropriate relationships, and potential NCAA rule violations.

The $914,000 figure has fueled new questions about what exactly was uncovered.

Some observers have pointed to the high cost as a sign of how deep the problems may have run.

Others have noted that the investigation was thorough enough to involve three separate law firms and more than 1,000 billable hours.

The timing of the probe also raised eyebrows.

It began just months after Bill Belichick took over at UNC, following his departure from the New England Patriots.

Belichick, now the coach at UNC, was not voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2026.

It was a surprise to many in the football world that a coach with eight total Super Bowl victories — including six with the Patriots — could be snubbed.

“Out of my control,” Belichick said of the snub in May on “Hang Out With Sean Hannity.”

“Honestly, I’ve been very focused on my job at the University of North Carolina and the players, and the university there. So, whatever happens, happens.”

“I’m proud of what we accomplished as a team at New England and certainly at the Giants and proud of those relationships, so that’s what matters most,” he later added.

The decision not to vote him in led to the Pro Football Hall of Fame releasing a statement.

The statement said that while the Hall respects the passionate reaction from fans, “The Hall also respects the members of the Selection Committee when they follow the selection process bylaws.”

After his 2026 snub, the Pro Football Hall of Fame made sweeping changes to its selection process.