Michael Lombardi denies reports UNC program is toxic under Bill Belichick

North Carolina GM Michael Lombardi denied the report that the football program is a complete disaster and toxic under Bill Belichick. WRAL News originally reported last week that the behind the scenes portion of UNC football has been a mess since inception.

Belichick and Lombardi brought in 70 new players to this squad that is just 2-3 on the season, looking uncompetitive in its three losses against Power Four opponents. But Lombardi said it’s a process and claimed he did not know of any report about the culture within the program.

Lombardi also pointed out the rest of the season for North Carolina, saying seven games is a lot to change the narrative. So for now, mum’s the word on any toxicity.

“I don’t know about a WRAL report,” Lombardi said to 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck. “I’m not sure there’s been a lot of accuracy coming from that area, but our players are committed to getting better. I think everybody understands it’s a work in progress. Look, we just played one ACC game, we have seven games ahead of us. I don’t think anybody on our team has written off the season or written off anything that we can accomplish. 

North Carolina not toxic, per Michael Lombardi

“We understand we have to get better and we understand we have to play more competitively in the ACC games, and I think our team wants to do that. I’m not sure there’s the disconnect that has been reported. No one’s been around our program with any accuracy to really understand that other than the coaches on our staff.”

Other than the poor product on the field, North Carolina has been in the news due to the “outside news,” per Lombardi. The GM said he, Belichick and the rest are focused solely on Cal this week and trying to get a win.

“I think the team is focused on Cal. Last week, there was a lot of noise outside our building, but our building has maintained a semblance of consistency in terms of progress and wanting to improve,” Lombardi said. “And our players have been dedicated. Last week for example, after our practice on Thursday, we had six players for the first time in this program squat over 600 pounds. We had over 30 players have their best personal times in terms of their speed training. So the players are fully invested. 

“One of the things we preach to the team constantly is mental toughness, being able to block out distractions. And what Coach and I have to do with all the noise that’s around the program is block out the distractions and show the players that we have mental toughness.”