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North Carolina defensive coordinator Steve Belichick on medical leave for TCU game

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 29, 2026, 8:55 AM

Last updated Aug 29, 2026

North Carolina defensive coordinator Steve Belichick on medical leave for TCU game

Summary

North Carolina will face TCU in Week Zero without defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, who is on indefinite medical leave. Belichick has been absent since August 6, and his father, head coach Bill Belichick, mentioned there is no current update on his return. The defensive staff will collaborate to manage duties in his absence as they prepare for the contest against the Horned Frogs in Dublin, Ireland. UNC seeks to improve upon a challenging previous season, where they finished 4-8 and struggled defensively in a prior matchup against TCU, losing 48-14.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Steve Belichick on medical leave since August 6.
•North Carolina faces TCU in Dublin, Ireland.
•Defensive staff will fill leadership void collectively.
•Last season, UNC allowed 48 points to TCU.
•The Tar Heels finished 38th in total defense last year.

Latest Updates

8:55 AMYahoo Sports — Where is Steve Belichick? Why UNC defensive coordinator isn't coaching vs TCU
7:50 AMYahoo Sports — Where is Steve Belichick? What we know about UNC's 'coach in waiting' during leave

What they're saying

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Here's why North Carolina defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, the son of UNC coach Bill Belichick, isn't coaching against TCU in Dublin:
— Yahoo Sports