Thursday was a turbulent day for UNC football, even after a 2-0 start to the season.
The morning saw UNC announce that defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, the son of head coach Bill Belichick, would resign. The news came roughly two weeks after general manager Michael Lombardi resigned amid a probe into allegations of drug use and possible sexual relationships between assistant coaches and recruiting staff.
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For some fans, students and alumni, the latest development added to a sense of frustration after a prolonged period of turmoil during the Bill Belichick era.
Former UNC Vice Chancellor Allison Rosenberg said she believes the university is facing what she called a “crisis of accountability.”
“I think that what we have here is a crisis of accountability,” Rosenberg said. “And I think that starts with the athletic director, but it flows down from the chancellor.”
Rosenberg said the football program needs greater scrutiny. Her comments follow two players facing criminal charges and a lengthy internal investigation. During her tenure, she said controversy within the football program was not the norm.
“I think this is a time for some real self-analysis and self-evaluation,” she said.
Rosenberg, who served as vice chancellor about 20 years ago, said her concerns are less about football itself and more about the university’s reputation and the amount of money tied to the program.
“The alumni who put their money behind the sports are an incredible political force and pressure on the chancellor,” Rosenberg said. “And I do think that we have to — we’ve got to recenter. We’ve got to rebalance.”
►UNC's Steve Belichick to resign; investigation finds 'a disregard for Carolina’s values'
She said the past year and a half has been especially difficult for the university.
"The word that comes to mind is a bit of hubris," Rosenberg said. "In reaching out to hire Belichick in the first place, there was perhaps a lack of perspective. The story was irresistible, but it certainly has ushered in a very difficult year and a half."
Other people WRAL spoke with in Chapel Hill, including fans, expressed similar hopes that the football program can move beyond the controversy and create more positive associations for the university.
"It's not what you want to see. If we win on the field, I think a lot of that stuff kind of goes away, which is kind of the sad reality of college football. But, you know, it's a little concerning, but hopeful we can turn it around and make it more about on-field success," UNC fan Jack Hager said.
Students in Chapel Hill who spoke with WRAL said they've learned to expect anything from this program. They're looking forward to a time when they trust this team more. Other students said they just want to enjoy football again. Others said they support UNC football making whatever changes it needs to have a winning season.
"I feel like people who are really involved in football definitely are invested in it," said student Frenchy Davis. "But normal everyday students, not really."
"I'm probably for the changes," said student Rowen Snow.
The Tar Heels travel to Clemson for their ACC opener on Saturday. Kickoff is at noon.
WRAL has reached out to Chancellor Lee Roberts, UNC Athletics, and UNC communications for a response to comments from the former vice chancellor.
A spokesperson for Coach Bill Belichick declined our request for comment.
