North Carolina GM barks back at ‘fabricated’ criticism of Bill Belichick after new wave of NFL worries

Mike Lombardi isn’t letting Bill Belichick take any heat for his North Carolina hires, or lack thereof.

Following a report from Pro Football Talk that claimed Belichick’s hiring process is “making people nervous” at the university, Lombardi posted a strong defense on X.

“We are not slow, just being diligent, hired three people on Sunday, not one is nervous other than this erroneous report. A completely fabricated story. thank you,” wrote Lombardi, who was hired as general manager and whose son, Matt, was brought in as an offensive ᴀssistant.

Outside of the Lombardi family, the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach has hired former Browns coach Freddie Kitchens (offensive coordinator), son Steve (defensive coordinator), former CFL coach Chris Jones (defensive ᴀssistant), Billy Miller (general position ᴀssistant) and Moses Cabrera (strength and conditioning).

All of these new hires fall under what is a reported $10 million staff budget, which certainly has more spots to fill.

We are not slow, just being diligent, hired three people on Sunday, not one is nervous other than this erronous report. A completly fabracated story. thank you. https://t.co/eQysGzgGyv

— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiuncgm) January 14, 2025

Among those reportedly concerned are the athletic director and ACC president, per PFT.

The concern is based on the possibility of Belichick bolting for the NFL with six vacancies still available after the Patriots, his former team, hired Mike Vrabel.

NFL Network recently reported that there were conversations between Belichick and Raiders minority owner Tom Brady about a possible coaching return, but that has since cooled off.

The Cowboys now also have an opening with Mike McCarthy out the door.

There is a $10 million buyout in the 72-year-old’s contract if he leaves before June 1, 2025. A billionaire NFL owner could consider that a price worth paying if they were convinced Belichick was the right choice to turn the franchise around/

However, Lombardi insisted that Belichick is “committed” to the Tar Heels last week during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” where he debunked the multiple NFL coaching rumors, including Las Vegas.

“Completely committed,” Lombardi said. “One thousand percent committed. I know I — for coach Belichick and myself, those conversations — you know, look, guys that do the insider stuff for the NFL, they’ve gotta put stories out there. That one was a complete falsehood.

“Coach Belichick, when that story came out, was recruiting in South Jersey. And today he was at Bergen Catholic, one of the teams we watched play at Ocean City. You know, and he’s gone to the Hun School to recruit kids in Princeton. I mean, that story just had no legs.”