Steve Belichick resigns as North Carolina defensive coordinator following investigation
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North Carolina defensive coordinator Steve Belichick has resigned, following a medical leave and an investigation into the football program.
Steve Belichick, son of UNC head coach Bill Belichick, hasn't been with the team since Aug. 6 and will resign at the conclusion of his medical leave on Oct. 17, the team announced on Thursday, Sept. 17.
The abrupt resignation comes on the heels of an internal investigation, and though the investigation didn't find signs of systemic issues (per the statement), it did find "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."
Steve Belichick follows former North Carolina GM Michael Lombardi out the door. Lombardi also resigned Sept. 3 after over a month on administrative leave during North Carolina's investigation. The school added in its statement that Belichick's resignation closes the matter and "corrective actions" will be handled in-house.
"Throughout the investigation, the University has been guided by the legal advice of outside counsel," the statement read. "All necessary corrective actions are now underway and will be overseen by Carolina Athletics and the Office of University Counsel. With these actions, the University considers the investigation to be resolved."
When it was announced Belichick was going on medical leave, Bill Belichick did not mention the investigation.
"Steve is on medical leave," Belichick had said then. "Look forward to getting him back as soon as possible."
Why did Steve Belichick resign?
Belichick's resignation came following an investigation into some of the conduct around the Bill Belichick regime. Although UNC said in its statement "disregard for Carolina’s values and standards of conduct," it is unclear what led to Steve Belichick's resignation.
Local station WRAL reported Steve Belichick was under investigation for drug use and doing drugs with players. That has not been confirmed by North Carolina.
Was Steve Belichick North Carolina coach-in-waiting?
While it was a common rumor that Bill Belichick coming to Chapel Hill was contingent on a clause that would have made his son the next UNC football head coach, that rumor was repeatedly denied by the university.
There was no indication Belichick was to be the next UNC coach.
Who will be North Carolina defensive coordinator?
Bill Belichick is expected to continue to call plays for North Carolina after getting out to a 2-0 start.
"We coach the defense collectively as a staff," Belichick said last month. "We'll continue to do that. Those coaches are involved with everybody."
It is unclear if Belichick will delegate more play-calling duties now that that situation is more permanent.
UNC football suspends WR Keeyun Chapman after arrest
In the same statement announcing Steve Belichick's resignation, the school also announced it was suspending Chapman from the team "indefinitely in connection with an incident Tuesday night."
Chapman was arrested on a misdemeanor count for carrying a concealed handgun after being involved in a traffic stop on Tuesday, Sept. 16 in Chapel Hill with a teammate.
Tar Heels wide receiver C.J. Sadler was cited for speeding, according to police reports.
"Chapman's suspension, like the actions resulting from the investigation, reflect the University's commitment to accountability and the well-being of its student athletes," the statement read. "We believe the steps announced today will help make Carolina Football a stronger program and one that continues to earn the pride of the entire Carolina community."
This story will be updated.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Steve Belichick resigns as North Carolina defensive coordinator following investigation
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