North Carolina football general manager Michael Lombardi signed a three-year contract worth $1.5 million annually, according to an appointment letter and contract signed on July 31.
The three years matches the guaranteed years in head coach Bill Belichick’s five-year, $50-million. contract. Lombardi was Belichick’s first hire in December and the two have worked together extensively in building the Tar Heels’ roster. Lombardi reports to Belichick, according to the letter.
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The contract began on Dec. 14 and expires Jan. 15, 2028. Lombardi’s first-year salary was previously reported, but not complete terms of his deal. His $1.5 million is believed to be the highest in college football, according to multiple reports.
Lombardi can earn bonuses if the Tar Heels reach a bowl game, with higher bonuses if they play in an elite game or a College Football Playoff game or ACC Championship Game, if they finish in the Top 25 and for academic success. The contract includes money for relocation, a courtesy car and a sign-on bonus ($10,000).
Belichick and Lombardi have rebuilt the UNC roster in the offseason, adding 70 freshmen and transfers that weren’t with the team last year.
Lombardi previously worked with Belichick with the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots. He was the Browns’ general manager in 2013 and spent time in the front offices of San Francisco, Philadelphia, Oakland and Denver in the NFL. Lombardi’s only previous college experience came as the recruiting coordinator at UNLV from 1981 to 1984.
Lombardi’s son, Matt, is the Tar Heels' quarterbacks coach. Matt Lombardi signed a two-year deal worth $1.3 million total.
UNC opens its season on Sept. 1 at home against TCU.