Hours after North Carolina football general manager Mike Lombardi was put on paid administrative leave, another potential issue arose for the program.
The College Sports Commission (CSC) is investigating the Tar Heels, according to Pablo Torre, with Lombardi’s actions “believed to be of interest,” according to The Athletic.
The CSC, which has been in existence for a year, is an enforcement body that investigates possible violations to do with Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) and revenue-sharing rules.
It is tasked with approving third-party deals with college athletes.
Lombardi’s leave is connected to a human resources complaint filed by a former employee in UNC’s front office, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Lombardi earns $1.5 million per year, making him the highest-paid GM in college football.
After a three-decade career in the NFL, Lombardi came over to the UNC program alongside head coach Bill Belichick before the 2025 season.
Lombardi, who previously worked with Belichick during their time with the Browns and Patriots, was Belichick’s first hire after he became the program’s head coach.
“The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has placed Michael Lombardi, general manager for the Carolina football program, on paid administrative leave, effective immediately. As is standard procedure with personnel matters, leadership, staff, and student-athletes are prohibited from addressing this topic further, and has no reflection on the merits,” the university said in a statement.
The potential CSC investigation is the latest blow for the Tar Heels ahead of Belichick’s second season in Chapel Hill following a disappointing 4-8 record in Belichick’s first season at the helm.
