Bill Belichick and the North Carolina Tar Heels stand just days from their biggest early test of the year. The team heads into an overseas game while a key defensive coach remains out. Fresh comments from the head coach have only led to more questions around the program.

The UNC head coach said on August 24 that he has no update on his son and defensive coordinator, Steve Belichick. The remarks came five days before UNC faces TCU in the Week 0 opener. When asked if he planned to call defensive plays himself, Belichick showed no interest in sharing any plans.

The UNC head coach first shared the news about his son and the team’s defensive coordinator on August 6. He said Steve Belichick was on medical leave, and the program hoped to get him back as soon as possible. Bill Belichick added that it is a medical situation, so he cannot make any further comment. No return date has come out since.

Steve Belichick first missed a media session near the start of preseason practice in late July. The program officials said he was not feeling well. He had coached on the field earlier in camp before the leave became formal. By August 24, he had been away from practices and meetings for about 18 to 25 days. 

Steve Belichick serves as UNC’s main defensive coordinator and play-caller. His absence raises questions about scheme work and in-game decisions. The Tar Heels return only about 32% of their defensive snaps from last season.

The biggest question remains whether Bill Belichick might step in to call the defense. His long record as one of the top defensive coaches in the game and six Super Bowl wins with the Patriots could make this possible. The staff is expected to handle the defense as a group for now. 

UNC also faces another gap. General manager Michael Lombardi remains on paid administrative leave after an HR-related investigation that began in late July. The program is dealing with questions on both the operations side and the defensive side so close to Week 0. 

Steve Belichick’s absence comes at a crucial time for UNC

Steve Belichick is in his second season as UNC defensive coordinator. He spent 2024 as defensive coordinator at Washington and more than a decade on his father’s staff with the Patriots in different defensive roles.

The 2025 defense stood as one of the strongest parts of an otherwise disappointing 4-8 team. It ranked around 38th nationally in total defense and allowed about 336.9 yards per game. The unit also finished near 25th in yards per play at around 4.94. 

Staff continuity, including brother Brian Belichick coaching the defensive backs and Bob Diaco coaching the defensive line, was seen as a positive heading into this year.

After a rough beginning to his life at UNC, Bill Belichick was hoping to start afresh for the 2026 season. At ACC Media Days, the head coach was particularly jubilant about his roster, saying that last year’s team lacked chemistry due to sudden turnover after the coaching change. During the summer, Belichick showed confidence in the new additions.

But the last few weeks have not helped. Usually, a head coach like Belichick is equipped to shut out the outside noise. His tenure at New England had enough off-field controversies, but that didn’t affect the players in the building. The success continued. The UNC fans are hoping for a similar situation at their program.

The Tar Heels will begin the season on Saturday, August 29, at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, as part of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. With TCU approaching and Steve Belichick still away, the central question is who will control UNC’s defense when the pressure arrives in Dublin?