Steve Belichick resigns as UNC football defensive coordinator amid investigation into program

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill said Thursday that it has concluded an investigation into allegations related to culture and climate within the Carolina football program.

The investigation was first reported in August, when former football General Manager Michael Lombardi was placed on administrative leave.

According to ESPN sources with direct knowledge of the proceedings, the investigation was wide-ranging in scope and included questions about sex between female staff and players as well as drug use within the program.

UNC did not provide specific findings of its investigation, nor did it specifically connect Steve Belichick or Lombardi to the investigation despite mentioning both in Thursday's statement.

In the statement, a school spokesperson wrote: "The investigation determined that certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina's values and standards of conduct. The investigation also found that these actions were isolated in scope and not a systemic failure."

Steve Belichick, the son of head coach Bill Belichick, will resign as defensive coordinator effective Oct. 27, following his current medical leave, the university said

"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 university said.

Steve Belichick's resignation comes two weeks after Lombardi resigned Sept. 3.

Steve Belichick was seen in some circles as the successor to his father, Bill, in Chapel Hill.

"We believe the steps announced today will help make Carolina Football a stronger program and one that continues to earn the pride of the entire Carolina community," UNC said.

Steve Belichick, 39, served as defensive coordinator under his father at North Carolina last season, and he also spent time with his dad on the New England Patriots' staff.

"Unfortunately, there is misinformation and speculation about our own situation, but we believe prioritizing health as the most important thing you can do in this life and is invaluable compared to anything else," his wife, Jen Belichick, said in a statement Thursday afternoon. "We strongly encourage anyone in need of support to utilize their resources in order to achieve the best version of themselves.

The off-field issues, involving staffers and now players, have clouded the Tar Heels' 2-0 start.

UNC said Thursday that freshman wide receiver Keeyun Chapman has been suspended indefinitely after he was arrested Tuesday night during a traffic stop for carrying a concealed handgun.

"Chapman's suspension, like the actions resulting from the investigation, reflects the University's commitment to accountability and the well-being of its student-athletes," UNC said in a statement.

"I think today is a signal that they've taken the appropriate action to ensure that these things don't happen again," said Devin Duncan, UNC Student Body President.

Duncan expressed confidence in the now-concluded investigation into allegations related to culture and climate within the football program.

"We've got a great academic and research brand that we're incredibly proud of, and that this is taking away from the really great things that we have going on all across our university," Duncan said. "It's got to be dealt with quickly, and in a responsible manner and fashion, which is what I think happened here."

Josh Markotich, the assistant sports editor at The Daily Tar Heel, said it's been "headline after headline."

He said he believes the school pigeonholed itself with its financial commitment to Belichick - inking the famed NFL head coach to a 5-year, $50 million deal.

"At the end of the day, it's not just the Carolina football fans and the Carolina students. It's also just the taxpayers of North Carolina, right? This is what their money is going to," Markotich said. "They ended up overpaying people that are now not even part of the school, not even two years after they, they put the sign on the dotted lines."

Despite those off-field penalties... the on-field progress has been clear, as the Tar Heels head to Clemson with renewed confidence and a chance to start the conference schedule on a winning note.

ABC11's Travon Miles and ESPN contributed.