CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Michael Lombardi plays an essential role in Bill Belichick’s transition into college coaching, taking the position of general manager to reshape the North Carolina football program into a structure akin to a professional franchise.
Lombardi’s routine remains quite similar to his days in the NFL, leading him to occasionally slip into familiar terminology such as “draft board” when discussing recruiting strategies.
“My daily schedule mirrors what it was in the NFL: I arrive early, review film, analyze players, and prepare reports,” Lombardi stated at a press conference.
This event marked the first on-campus media availability since Belichick’s appointment in December, following the dismissal of Mack Brown, the program’s most successful coach. Upon his arrival, Belichick enlisted Lombardi, who boasts over 30 years of experience in NFL front offices, including a stint as the general manager for the Cleveland Browns in 2013 and collaborating with the legendary Bill Walsh at the San Francisco 49ers in the 1980s.
What initially appeared to be a whimsical venture for UNC with Belichick has morphed into a bold strategy that aims to leverage the expertise of a coach renowned for guiding the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles. Belichick is relying on Lombardi to transform UNC’s approach and framework to resemble his former professional experiences.
“Everything we do here is based on creating a professional team,” Lombardi emphasized. “We view ourselves as the 33rd NFL team, as everyone involved with our program has some connection to the world of pro football.”
Lombardi addressed the media just after the program announced its second wave of signings, which included new high school recruits and transfers. This followed December’s cohort and consists of 19 college transfers and 21 high school prospects, reflecting Belichick and Lombardi’s priorities in restructuring the Tar Heels.
A key focus for Lombardi has been strengthening the lines. The new recruits include 10 defensive linemen—three of whom are transfers—and five offensive linemen, all of which are transfers.
“It all comes back to our philosophy,” Lombardi explained. “If you believe in an area and want to enhance it, you must invest in it. It will be clear where we will focus our efforts. Defensive and offensive linemen will be priorities for us.”
Another point of emphasis is expanding beyond traditional in-state recruiting. Historically, UNC has stressed the importance of homegrown talent, but this latest batch features only two in-state recruits, including four-star quarterback prospect Bryce Baker, who upheld his commitment despite the coaching shift.
That figure mirrors the commitments from states like Virginia, New Jersey, and New York. Florida leads with four recruits.
“The UNC brand carries global recognition, so limiting ourselves doesn’t make sense,” Lombardi remarked. “We can reach any school and confidently say, ‘We’re North Carolina, with the greatest football coach ever, and a prestigious university. Join our team.’”
The class is ranked 43rd nationally according to 247Sports and 46th by Rivals, placing the Tar Heels 10th in the 17-team Atlantic Coast Conference. However, when questioned about opting for less-publicized prospects, Lombardi stated: “We trust our judgments.”
“With my extensive experience in the NFL, I’ve drafted players who weren’t on anyone’s radar and those who had no scholarship offers coming out of high school,” he shared. “There are always talented individuals who can be overlooked. You must believe in your instincts and trust your evaluations.”
Currently, the team has yet to schedule spring practices and continues to finalize its player and coaching roster. Belichick’s son, Steve, who has worked alongside him at the Patriots and spent the previous year in college coaching at Washington, has joined his father in media appearances to promote the Tar Heels.
The professional influences permeate even to the team’s schedule; the Tar Heels will face TCU in their own version of Monday Night Football, taking place on Labor Day night on ESPN.
However, Lombardi remains focused on the immediate challenges ahead. “I can hardly fathom Week 1 at this point,” he noted. “I’m concentrating on getting through the first five weeks of the offseason.”
