Bill Belichick promotes son Brian following son Steve’s resignation

Former Patriots coach Bill Belichick has promoted his son, Brian Belichick, to defensive coordinator for UNC football.

Brian will replace his older brother, Steve Belichick, who resigned from the position following a period of medical leave.

Steve Belichick is the second high-profile member of the UNC football staff to leave this month. General manager Michael Lombardi resigned on Sept. 3.

The school has since concluded its investigation into the program, saying that it “determined that certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina’s values and standards of conduct.”

“These actions were isolated in scope and not a systemic failure,” the school said in the statement, per ESPN. “… All necessary corrective actions are now underway and will be overseen by Carolina Athletics and the Office of University Counsel. With these actions, the University considers the investigation to be resolved.”

The Tar Heels have opened the season 2-0, and Bill Belichick remains in place as head coach. They beat TCU 15-10 in Ireland during the season opener and they blew out East Tennessee State 35-3 last weekend.

UNC went 4-8 during Bill Belichick’s first season last year.

Both Brian and Steve Belichick were on their father’s staff together with the Patriots from 2017-2023. Brian spent the bulk of that time coaching safeties. Steve spent most of that time coaching outside linebackers.

Brian coached defensive backs at UNC before taking over the defensive play-calling duties. He filled in while Steve was on medical leave.

UNC will open ACC play with a road game at Clemson on Saturday.

Khari A. Thompson

Sports Reporter

Khari Thompson covers professional sports for Boston.com. Before joining the team in 2022, Khari covered college football for The Clarion Ledger in Jackson, Miss.