UNC engages ZRG Turnkey Search to rebuild football front office operations
The $100,000 contract covers a general manager search and consulting on roster valuation, fundraising, and personnel retention.
By Bianca Herrera ·
North Carolina athletics leaders have contracted ZRG Turnkey Search to guide the university’s search for a new general manager and to consult on football program operations. The agreement, obtained through a public records request, values the total engagement at $100,000 plus expenses. Of that sum, $60,000 covers consulting services while $40,000 pays for the executive search.
The firm was retained in early October to replace Michael Lombardi, who stepped down in September following an internal investigation. Lombardi previously earned $1.5 million annually, making him the highest-paid general manager in college football. Sean Magee, a former Michigan general manager and vice president of GM Solutions at Turnkey, serves as the primary consultant through December 14. UNC announced the partnership on October 6.
The contract specifies a range of services aimed at standardizing decision-making processes. These include prospect meetings, retention strategy discussions, and roster construction activities. The firm will also provide strategic advisory support to head coach Bill Belichick across front office functions. This approach aligns with Lombardi’s earlier vision for a data-driven system where player value is determined by objective grading rather than subjective preference. Lombardi argued in February 2025 that such a grading system was necessary to avoid arbitrary roster choices.
Turnkey’s scope of work extends to auditing current front office structures and developing professionalized scouting systems. The firm will assist in creating structured player valuation models and compensation frameworks. These tools are designed to support consistent, data-informed investment decisions regarding roster spots. Additionally, the contract allows for assistance with transfer portal strategy, offseason planning, and staff development.
Revenue generation is a key component of the engagement. The Tar Heels allocated $13 million to player revenue sharing during the 2025 season. Turnkey will help expand available roster funding through targeted donor outreach and coordinated strategies with athletic department partners, collectives, and corporate sponsors. This focus on fundraising aims to optimize revenue streams for future roster investments.
The hiring comes as UNC addresses findings from its internal investigation into the football program. Investigator Nate Huff noted that the probe examined the work environment, including supervision and mentorship structures. He suggested that questions about workplace safety and respect were central to the review, potentially outweighing specific interpersonal allegations.
Coach Bill Belichick confirmed on Monday that player negotiations are currently underway for incoming freshmen and players seeking retention for the 2027 season. These discussions fall within the services contemplated by the new agreement. The next major step involves the completion of the general manager search, with consulting services running through mid-December.
