The UNC Tar Heels has never been known as a CFB powerhouse. You know, they’ve hit double-digit wins just once since 2000. But despite their struggles, they’ve produced elite NFL talent — Robert Quinn, Julius Peppers, and last year’s No. 3 overall pick, Drake Maye. Now, it looks like the Tar Heels are going all-in. And after parting ways with legendary coach Mack Brown, UNC made a blockbuster move: bringing in Bill Belichick after his one-year hiatus. But they didn’t stop there. And they doubled down on NFL experience, hiring longtime executive Michael Lombardi as the team’s GM.

While UNC is making waves, their latest move has everyone talking. And with Belichick already in charge, the Tar Heels are proving they mean business. Right now, new GM Lombardi is making headlines with his latest development. Although Belichick’s five-year contract of $50 million was published a few weeks ago, it was recently revealed that Lombardi will earn seven figures in his position as general manager.

And on Wednesday, Ross Martin revealed that Lombardi’s salary is $1.5 million as an ‘Academic Coordinator’, per the UNC salary information database — now public knowledge. But here’s the twist — the news quickly went viral, with CBS Sports sharing it alongside the caption, “The market for college football GMs is rising 📈.”

Here, money talks, and UNC is making a loud statement. And Mike Lombardi’s $1.5 million salary isn’t just big — it’s the biggest known paycheck for a college football GM. As Mike Rodak pointed out, it’s “almost double what Alabama is paying GM Courtney Morgan” after his bump to $825K last year. So, the message is clear — the market for college sports GMs is skyrocketing, and UNC is leading the charge.

And why not? Belichick and Lombardi go way back. You know, they worked together twice in the NFL — first with the Cleveland Browns in the early ‘90s and later with the New England Patriots from 2014 to 16. As of now, Lombardi is bringing over 30 years of NFL experience to the college game. To be honest, scout, personnel executive, GM — he’s done it all. But this isn’t his first taste of the college level. Back in the early ‘80s, a young Lombardi cut his teeth as a recruiting coordinator at UNLV Rebels. Right now, decades later, he’s back — this time, with a wealth of pro knowledge to reshape UNC football.

And Lombardi’s statement says it all. He made UNC’s vision crystal clear: “Everything here is predicated on building a pro team. We consider ourselves the 33rd team because everybody involved with our program has had some form or aspect in pro football.” Looks like this isn’t just college football — it’s an NFL pipeline in the making.

Although the details of Lombardi’s contract remain under wraps, his impact is already being felt. Meanwhile, Belichick is hitting the recruiting trail—and his legendary resume is doing the talking. You know, with six Super Bowl rings and a reputation as one of football’s greatest minds, his presence alone is turning heads. And now, it’s already paying off in a big way for UNC.

The effect of Bill Belichick on UNC hiring

Bill Belichick is wasting no time making his mark at UNC. However, the Tar Heels are stacking talent, and it starts with four-star quarterback Bryce Baker. The East Forsyth standout locked in his commitment after Belichick took over in December 2024. But Baker isn’t the only big name. Four-star defensive end Austin Alexander is also on board, adding serious firepower to the defense. To be honest, the recruiting world is taking notice. UNC’s 2025 class is ESPN’s biggest riser, jumping to No. 45 nationally and No. 10 in the ACC. As of now, the Belichick effect is in full swing.

And it all comes back to Belichick’s legendary resume. Looks like his name alone is pulling top talent to Chapel Hill. In a recent piece for The Athletic, three-star recruit Justin Lewis made it clear why he chose UNC. “Coach Belichick was nothing to sneeze at either. Why not get coached up by one of the — if not the — best coach ever? Walking into the program, I will be being coached by an almost whole pro staff. You can’t duplicate that. My parents and I were on board for the ride and couldn’t pass up the opportunity,” said Lewis. So, with recruits buying in, the Belichick era is already making waves.

In an era where NIL deals fuel constant movement, keeping a program intact is no easy task. But Belichick knows the secret: stability breeds success. His trophy cabinet speaks for itself, and no one understands the path to greatness better. On top of that, Belichick has a vision — turn UNC into the ’33rd NFL team’.

As of now, for recruits dreaming of the NFL, his pitch alone might be enough. After all, who better to learn from than the man who built dynasties? And if he flashes a rare smile along the way, consider it a bonus.