Michael Lombardi reunites with Bill Belichick as North Carolina general manager

Bill Belichick already has one familiar face joining him in Chapel Hill.Ex-NFL executive Michael Lombardi is leaving his job as a VSiN host to become the general manager of the University of North Carolina’s football program, the sports betting network announced Wednesday night.The news comes hours after Belichick agreed to become the next head football coach of the Tar Heels.“I’m excited to join Coach Belichick at North Carolina,” Lombardi told VSiN.

“Although leaving my VSIN family will be hard, I’m excited to return to helping build a winning program.I’m forever thankful for all the great people at VSIN, especially Bill Adee and the Musburger family.”NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Lombardi was “essential” in bringing Belichick to UNC.Lombardi, who once worked as a recruiting coordinator for UNLV, was a long-time front-office face in the NFL, and his last job in the league, unsurprisingly, came with the Patriots and Belichick as New England’s assistant to the coaching staff.The two had previously worked together in Cleveland when Belichick was the Browns’ head coach while Lombardi served as pro personnel director and director of player personnel.

He won three Super Bowl titles while working on NFL staffs, two of which came with Belichick and the Patriots.More recently, Belichick and Lombardi worked together — with ex-Patriots assistant Matt Patricia — on the “Coach” podcast.Belichick, who signed on for a five-year contract, said in a statement that’s he’s excited to lead the Tar Heels football program to prominence.“I am excited for the opportunity at UNC-Chapel Hill.I grew up around college football with my Dad and treasured those times.

I have always wanted to coach in college and now look forward to building the football program in Chapel Hill”...