The University of North Carolina announced Monday that football general manager Michael Lombardi has been placed on paid administrative leave, per a statement by vice chancellor Dean Stoyer.

“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,” the statement read.

“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,” it continued.

Stoyer did not provide a reason for the decision.

Lombardi was brought to the program by head coach Bill Belichick, his first hire upon taking the head coach position in December 2024. The two worked together at the Browns and Patriots, where Lombardi served as an assistant to the coaching staff.

Lombardi also made stops in the front offices for the 49ers, Eagles, Raiders, and Broncos over an NFL career spanning over three decades. Lombardi’s NFL career included work in three Super Bowl-winning teams. In his lone prior college experience, Lombardi was also the recruiting coordinator for UNLV in the early 1980s.

Per USA Today’s database, Lombardi is the highest-paid general manager across college football. His current three-year contract, which expires in mid-January 2028, pays him $1.5 million per year.

“Working with Coach Belichick has always been one of the most rewarding times of my life,” Lombardi said upon being hired at UNC. “Reuniting here is a dream come true. Chapel Hill is a magical place, and the University is one of the greatest in the country.”

“Michael knows how to build a champion and brings a great deal of quality experience to the UNC program,” Belichick said. “I am excited to be reunited with Michael, and we will rely on his expertise in evaluating and acquiring talent for the Tar Heel program.”

The Tar Heels are coming off a disappointing 4-8 2025 campaign in Belichick’s first year on the job.