CHAPEL HILL UNC football defensive coordinator Steve Belichick is on medical leave, coach Bill Belichick said Thursday, Aug. 6.Steve is on medical leave, Belichick said inside the Kenan Football Center before the Tar Heels started their second week of full practice.Look forward to getting him back as soon as possible.Steve Belichick was scheduled to speak with media members on July 30, the opening day of fall camp for UNC. As for coaching the defense and playcalling until Steves return, Bill said the entire defensive staff will aid as Steve recovers.We coach the defense collectively as a staff, Bill Belichick said. . Well see.The Tar Heels open the 2026 season against TCU in Ireland. Kickoff for that game is scheduled for noon and it'll be televised on ESPN.Rodd Baxley covers North Carolina Tar Heels athletics for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Got questions regarding UNC? Send them to rbaxley@usatodayco.com.This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Steve Belichick on medical leave as UNC football continues fall camp