CHAPEL HILL — North Carolina defensive coordinator Steve Belichick is on medical leave and not with the team as the Tar Heels enter their second week of preseason practice, head coach Bill Belichick, Steve’s father, told reporters Thursday.
“"I just wanted to let everyone know that my son Steve is on medical leave,” Belichick said in his opening comments. “And we look forward to getting him back as soon as possible. It's a medical situation so I really can't make any further comment."
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When asked if Steve Belichick could miss games, Bill Belichick replied: “As soon as possible.”
The Tar Heels open their season Aug. 29 in Ireland against TCU.
He was scheduled to speak with reporters last week as UNC opened preseason practice but a team spokesman said he wasn’t feeling well.
Steve Belichick, 39, is in his second season as UNC’s defensive coordinator. He previously spent one season as defensive coordinator at Washington. Belichick is married and the father of five young children.
The Tar Heels’ defense was a rare bright spot for the program last year, finishing the year ranked No. 38 in total defense and No. 25 in yards allowed per play.
“He knows a lot,” defensive back Kaleb Cost said. “He’s just like his father. Very knowledgeable of the game, mixes up coverages just like the OG [Bill Belichick].”
Bill Belichick won two Super Bowl titles as the defensive coordinator of the New York Giants before winning six more as head coach of the New England Patriots. He was known as one of the game’s best defensive minds throughout his distinguished NFL coaching career.
Cost said it has been different in camp without Steve Belichick.
“We miss him for sure,” Cost said. “He’s still family. It’s all love. And we can’t wait to see him back in this building, back with us.”
Bill Belichick said the defensive staff would continue to work collectively. When asked who would handle defensive play-calling duties if Steve Belichick’s absence continued into the season, Bill Belichick said: “We’ll see.”
Bill Belichick’s other son, Brian, coaches UNC’s defensive backs.
The university announced before practice opened that general manager Michael Lombardi had been placed on paid administrative leave. The university has opened an investigation into allegations that led to Lombardi being placed on leave and it has hired at least three outside lawyers to assist with that investigation.