UNC hires outside attorneys to assist Michael Lombardi investigation

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) — The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has retained external legal counsel to assist with its investigation into football general manager Michael Lombardi, who was placed on paid administrative leave last week.

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In a statement to CBS 17 on Thursday, UNC Vice Chancellor for communications and Marketing Dean Stoyer said attorneys Nate Huff and McNair Nichols of Barnes & Thornburg are conducting the inquiry portion of the investigation after previously performing preliminary work while at K&L Gates.

“As of August 5, the inquiry portion of the investigation is being undertaken by Nate Huff and McNair Nichols of Barnes & Thornburg,” Stoyer said. “They had performed preliminary work while still with the law firm K&L Gates. All work associated with the matter is transitioning to Barnes & Thornburg.”

Stoyer said Wes Camden, a partner with Williams Mullen, also will advise the university on the matter.

“The University’s Office of University Counsel is leading the investigation,” Stoyer said. “The University is committed to conducting a comprehensive yet expedient review. It is important to note that no public funds will be used for these outside counsel engagements.”

Lombardi was placed on paid administrative leave on July 27. At the time, the university did not disclose the reason for the personnel action.

Three days later, UNC announced that its Office of University Counsel had opened an investigation into “allegations that led to the personnel action regarding Michael Lombardi.”

University officials have declined to publicly discuss the nature of those allegations, citing the confidential nature of personnel matters.

CBS 17 asked what prompted the university to retain outside attorneys, whether the scope of the investigation has changed since it was announced and whether officials have established an anticipated timeline for completing the review. The university did not address those questions in its response.

During the opening day of preseason football camp last week, UNC Athletic Director Steve Newmark said the university would allow the investigation to run its course.

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“We’re going to let that process play out,” Newmark said. “It’s paramount for us to do what’s right to make sure it’s a full and fair review, and that we don’t do anything to compromise the integrity of the process.”

Following a UNC Board of Trustees meeting the same day, Chancellor Lee Roberts said university leaders learned of “some concerns” before Lombardi was placed on leave.

“If something has gone wrong, we want to know about it,” Roberts said. “If something needs to be fixed, we will be sure to fix it.”

Ahead of last week’s media availability, UNC officials instructed coaches, staff and student-athletes not to discuss Lombardi’s administrative leave while the investigation remains ongoing.

ESPN previously reported that a former UNC football front office employee filed a human resources complaint against Lombardi, prompting the university to place him on administrative leave. UNC has not publicly confirmed that report or identified the allegations under investigation.

Lombardi joined North Carolina in December 2024 shortly after coach Bill Belichick was hired, reuniting with a longtime NFL colleague. The two first worked together with the Cleveland Browns in 1991 before spending three seasons together with the New England Patriots from 2014 to 2016. They also collaborated on media projects during Belichick’s year away from coaching before arriving in Chapel Hill.

According to the UNC System employee salary database, Lombardi earns approximately $1.5 million annually, making him one of the highest-paid general managers in college football.

Belichick is scheduled to address the media during a regularly scheduled fall training camp press conference at 8:30 a.m. Thursday.

North Carolina opens the 2026 season against TCU in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland, on Aug. 29.

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