Former University of North Carolina general manager Michael Lombardi has begun his next chapter.
A longtime NFL front office executive who has done various media projects over the years, Lombardi has started a Substack called “Football Done Right,” focused on the NFL. His first piece is about the Detroit Lions’ defense. Lombardi wrote on Instagram that he plans to publish on Tuesdays and Fridays, as well as deep-dive pieces.
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Lombardi, who was placed on paid administrative leave in late July, resigned earlier this month amid an internal investigation into the football program. Lombardi was UNC head coach Bill Belichick’s first hire and led the initial outreach from Belichick’s camp when UNC was looking for a head coach. Lombardi was the highest-paid general manager in college football at $1.5 million.
“I want to thank Chancellor [Lee] Roberts and Bill Belichick for the opportunity to serve as the GM of UNC Football,” Lombardi said in a statement released through his lawyer at the time of his resignation. “I have decided it’s best for me to resign my position as GM to allow the team to focus on the ‘26 season.”
UNC released a statement Thursday saying that the investigation “determined that certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina’s values and standards of conduct. The investigation also found that these actions were isolated in scope and not a systemic failure. As the university previously announced, General Manager Michael Lombardi resigned from the program effective September 3. Steve Belichick has resigned from his position as defensive coordinator, effective October 27, 2026, following the conclusion of his current medical leave.”
Lombardi hinted at a return to podcasting in his Instagram post. He previously appeared on several podcasts and shows, including regular appearances on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
Lombardi didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment from WRAL.