Former Patriots Play-Caller and Bill Belichick’s Son Takes Medical Leave Before Opener

The North Carolina football program will begin the heart of preseason preparation without one of the most familiar members of Bill Belichick’s staff.

Former New England Patriots defensive play-caller Steve Belichick is on medical leave, his father announced Thursday.

Bill Belichick offered no timetable for his son’s return as the Tar Heels move closer to their Aug. 29 opener against TCU in Dublin, Ireland.

“Just want to let everyone know that my son Steve’s on medical leave, and look forward to getting him back as soon as possible,” Bill Belichick said, according to Inside Carolina.

When WRAL’s Brian Murphy asked whether Steve could return before the opener, Bill repeated that the program hopes to have him back “as soon as possible.”

He declined to discuss the medical situation further.

Bill Belichick Leaves Return Date Open

Steve Belichick’s absence creates an immediate question about who will oversee the defense during camp and potentially call plays if the leave extends into the season.

Bill Belichick didn’t appoint an interim coordinator Thursday.

He said North Carolina’s defensive coaches work collectively and will continue dividing responsibilities while Steve is away.

Asked about play-calling duties for the opener, he told Chapelboro, “We’ll see.”

The timing places more responsibility on a staff preparing for its second season together.

North Carolina went 4-8 during Bill Belichick’s first year in Chapel Hill, but Steve’s defense showed several encouraging stretches.

The Tar Heels allowed 336.9 yards and 24.5 points per game, according to Chapelboro.

They also held opponents to 21 points or fewer in four consecutive games, something the program had not accomplished since 2000.

Bill Belichick said before camp that the defense entered this summer ahead of last year’s pace because most of the roster participated in spring practices and offseason work.

Steve’s leave interrupts that continuity, although the staff retains another coach with extensive experience in the family’s system.

Steve Belichick Built Coaching Career With Patriots

Steve Belichick spent 12 seasons with the Patriots before leaving the NFL following the 2023 season.

He joined his father’s staff as a coaching assistant in 2012 and moved through several defensive roles.

He coached safeties, outside linebackers and linebackers before serving as New England’s primary defensive play-caller from 2020 through 2023.

His tenure covered the final stretch of Bill Belichick’s 24 seasons as Patriots head coach.

Steve also earned three Super Bowl rings while working in New England and developed a larger voice in defensive game planning as his responsibilities grew.

After the Patriots and Bill Belichick separated in January 2024, Steve accepted the defensive coordinator job at Washington.

The Huskies improved from No. 99 nationally in total defense in 2023 to No. 26 during his lone season.

He reunited with his father at UNC the following year and signed a two-year deal reportedly worth $2.7 million.

Steve’s leave also comes while North Carolina general manager Michael Lombardi remains on paid administrative leave during a university investigation into a personnel matter.

The situations are separate, but they leave two prominent members of Bill Belichick’s operation away from the program during camp.

Bill Belichick gave no indication Thursday that Steve’s absence will become permanent.

For now, North Carolina will distribute the work across its defensive staff and wait for its coordinator to receive clearance to return.

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