Mike Lombardi: ‘We’re Dedicated to What We’re Doing’

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North Carolina football general manager Michael Lombardi doubled down Monday night during his appearance on the Carolina Football Live radio show, echoing the message that coach Bill Belichick used earlier in the day.

Lombardi insisted things have been “business as usual” for the Tar Heels, despite the firestorm of reporting and speculation that has descended on the reeling program. He delivered his typical radio show address, taking the opportunity to preach leadership, while mentioning or quoting from five former NFL coaches. He also said the program-building process “takes time” on four occasions throughout his 30-minute appearance.

“It’s been business as usual,” Lombardi said Monday night to open the show. “It has been wonderful, actually. Everybody that works in the building has been great.”

Lombardi said he made stops in West Virginia, Ohio, Georgia and Florida last week on the recruiting trail, and those efforts went “unbelievably great” despite the rumor mill churning around Chapel Hill. He presented the case that there was a stark difference between the reality of what was happening with the UNC team on the inside, compared to what has been depicted by those on the outside.

He said the program even used the turmoil as an opportunity for the coaching staff to continue preaching mental toughness to players, and encourage them to block out distractions.

“There’s two different worlds you live in,” Lombardi said. “The world that’s reality, and then there’s the outside world. And it didn’t really affect us at all. I think we’re dedicated to what we’re doing.”

Another topic addressed on the radio show Monday night — and a point of emphasis during Belichick’s press conference earlier in the day — was how the UNC staff communicates with players and their families. Lombardi dismissed reports about lacking communication creating issues between parents and the coaching staff. He said he returns every call he gets, and he’s happy to talk with them.

He said there’s no dysfunction fracturing the Tar Heels, and reiterated that every department from scouting and recruiting to nutrition remains on the the same page.

“Our communication has really been outstanding,” Lombardi said. “There’s really no missteps. Everybody knows what to do. Everybody understands how to do their job. It’s been explained to them. We know where we have to go, and we just keep going.”

As discontent mounts from fans surrounding UNC’s lack of production on the football field — the Tar Heels (2-3) have suffered three blowout losses by 25 points or more already this season — Lombardi made it a point to emphasize he and Belichick will shield players from outside criticism so they can continue focusing on improving.

“The score will take care of itself,” Lombardi said, reciting a quote made famous by San Francisco 49ers coaching legend Bill Walsh, as he talked about trusting in Belichick and committing to the process of improvement at UNC.