Hall of Famer Mack Brown to Not Return as North Carolina Tar Heels’ Head Coach
University of North Carolina announced on Tuesday that it will be moving on from Hall of Famer Mack Brown, the program’s winningest head coach, despite Brown’s intention to return in 2025 with three years remaining on his contract. The announcement comes as a surprise, as Brown said he would be back on the sideline next season.
Brown had been the head coach at UNC since 2019, and before that, he held the position from 1988 to 1997. During his second stint, he led the Tar Heels to the ACC championship game in 2022, and they were bowl eligible every season. However, this year’s team, which faced the challenge of replacing quarterback Drake Maye, had a tough first half of the season, including a 70-0 loss to James Madison, following a four-game skid.
Brown will be retained at least until the regular-season finale against North Carolina State, but it’s unclear if he will coach in a potential bowl game. In a statement, Brown acknowledged the decision, saying, “While this was not the perfect time and way in which I imagined going out, no time will ever be the perfect time.”
Athletic director Bubba Cunningham praised Brown for his achievements, including holding the program’s career record for wins and pushing for improvements to program infrastructure. Brown’s leadership during tough times, such as the recent passing of player Tylee Craft after a cancer battle, was also highlighted.
Brown has a record of 288-176-1, with 113 wins at UNC, making him the winningest active coach in the Bowl Subdivision ranks.