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By Ellis Williams
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North Carolina spent more than $914,000 on an investigation of head coach Bill Belichick’s football program, according to public records obtained by WRAL and detailed in a report updated Thursday.
The newly disclosed spending covers a review that began July 30 and concluded Sept. 17. Three outside law firms billed the university for work connected to the investigation, WRAL reported.
Barnes & Thornburg accounted for more than $821,000, including over $15,000 in expenses. Sixteen employees at the firm billed more than 1,000 hours combined. Lead investigator Nate Huff logged nearly 200 hours, while partner McNair Nichols recorded nearly 300.
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K&L Gates and Williams Mullen also billed UNC. Williams Mullen’s assignment included advice on potential litigation and employment law issues arising from the investigation into former general manager Michael Lombardi.
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The university’s agreement with Barnes & Thornburg called for legal advice about the football program’s culture and compliance, including interviews with current and former personnel.
Huff said the review covered the entire football program rather than targeting a particular individual.
UNC announced the investigation’s completion in September alongside defensive coordinator Steve Belichick’s resignation. His departure took effect Oct. 27, following medical leave. He is Bill Belichick’s son.
Lombardi’s resignation took effect Sept. 3. UNC’s September statement did not give an explicit reason for Steve Belichick’s departure or say Lombardi’s resignation was a direct result of the investigation.
The university said certain conduct fell short of its values and standards, but described the problems as isolated rather than systemic. It said corrective measures were underway under the supervision of its athletics department and university counsel.
Huff told reporters in September that investigators conducted about 60 interviews, including one with Bill Belichick. He said the head coach provided access to staff and facilities.
UNC said it considered the investigation resolved, while leaving open the possibility of further action if credible new information emerged.
North Carolina is 4-4 in Bill Belichick’s second season and visits UConn on Saturday after consecutive losses to Syracuse and Miami.
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