When Bill Belichick packed his bags for North Carolina, his sons packed theirs, too. For the second straight year, both Steve and Brian Belichick were part of the Tar Heels’ coaching staff. However, two games into the 2026 season, this family setup has taken an unexpected turn.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel has reported that Steve Belichick is resigning from his coaching position at North Carolina as the university’s investigation into the football program continues.

The development comes after reports that investigators were asking questions about alleged substance use involving the defensive coordinator.

“The investigation determined that certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina’s values and standards of conduct,” the program said, as per Pete Nakos. “The investigation also found that these actions were isolated in scope and not a systemic failure.”

But even more interesting is who will hold the throne now. Bill Belichick did not look outside his staff for a replacement. Instead, the responsibility has fallen to his younger son, Brian Belichick. CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported on Sept. 17 that Brian is “currently expected” to serve as North Carolina’s defensive play-caller moving forward.

The timing of Zenitz’s report matters, given it came the same day UNC announced Steve’s resignation. However, the truth is that Brian was already involved with the defense, given that he had called the Tar Heels’ first two games. 

This decision may surprise many, because Steve’s absence was initially explained very differently. Bill Belichick announced on Aug. 6 that his son was taking medical leave, providing no details about his condition or a timetable for his return.

“Steve is on medical leave,” Bill said at the time, adding that the program looked forward to getting him back as soon as possible.

However, as the weeks passed, the situation became more complicated, particularly as the university’s separate investigation widened. WRAL reported this month that attorneys working for UNC had spoken with current and former players, parents, and university employees about allegations surrounding Steve. Among the questions were whether he had used drugs while working for the university or provided drugs to at least one player.

WRAL also reported that investigators were examining separate allegations involving members of the recruiting staff and assistant coaches. UNC, though, has not publicly announced findings that establish Steve committed the reported conduct. The investigation, however, began with a different member of Bill’s operation.

Michael Lombardi, the program’s general manager, was placed on paid administrative leave in July after a former front-office employee filed a human resources complaint. Lombardi resigned Sept. 3, saying he wanted the team to focus on the 2026 season. UNC said its investigation would continue after his departure.

Now, with Steve’s resignation, the biggest question is also why Bill chose his other son to handle one of the most important jobs on his staff.

Brian Belichick Can’t Escape the Nepotism Debate at UNC

Fans online are calling Brian the “nepo baby.” And it is easy to understand where those references are coming from. Well, Sr. Belichick has always been the one to employ both his sons, first in New England and then in North Carolina. And then there is also the money factor.

Reports have put Steve and Brian’s combined UNC compensation at roughly $1.8 million, with Steve earning $1.3 million and Brian around $500,000. This decision to keep the defensive calls within the family has drawn heavy criticism from fans. However, all that aside, one can’t discount the fact that Brian essentially has the resume to back his posting.

Sure, Brian joined his father’s UNC staff in 2025 as the defensive backs and safeties coach, while Steve was the defensive coordinator. But by then, he had spent nine seasons with the New England Patriots and eventually became the team’s safeties coach in 2020, staying in that role through 2024. He was also a part of the two Super Bowl-winning teams.

Now, he has been handed his older brother’s job, and so far the defense is giving him a good start.

North Carolina is 2-0 and has allowed just 13 points. The Tar Heels beat TCU 15-10 in Dublin, holding the Horned Frogs scoreless over the final 49 minutes while allowing 281 total yards. They then beat East Tennessee State 35-3, surrendering only three points. That works out to 6.5 points allowed per game through the first two contests with Brian calling the defense.

Still, the real test is coming. North Carolina now faces Clemson before hosting No. 3 Notre Dame, giving Brian a much tougher stage on which to prove that this defensive start can hold up.