North Carolina DC Steve Belichick on indefinite medical leaveAndrea AdelsonAug 6, 2026, 10:00 AM ETClose
- ACC reporter.
- Joined ESPN.com in 2010.
- Graduate of the University of Florida.
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick revealed Thursday that his son, defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, is on medical leave and out indefinitely.
Bill Belichick provided no further details and did not say whether Steve Belichick would be able to coach in the season opener against TCU in Ireland on Aug. 29, noting only they “look forward to getting him back as soon as possible.”
Bill Belichick reported the defensive staff would work together to fill Steve’s spot. If Steve Belichick is unavailable for the opener, Bill Belichick would then consider naming an interim coordinator.
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“We coach defense collectively as staff and we will continue to do that,” Bill Belichick reported.
Steve Belichick, 39, served as defensive coordinator under his father at North Carolina last season, and he also spent time with his dad on the New England Patriots’ staff.
The news is the recent surrounding the North Carolina football program as fall practice begins. Last month, the school revealed general manager Michael Lombardi had been placed on leave while an investigation into his conduct was underway.
