Mack Brown calls for players to have honest conversations about transfer plans

Mack Brown is wishing for some better communication between players and programs as it pertains to the NCAA Transfer Portal.

The North Carolina Tar Heels leader has seen it all in college football, and has watched the advent of the sport’s most controversial topic over the last couple of seasons. Some players will hop in the transfer portal on a whim, and Brown is hoping to start a dialogue regarding reasons why.

Speaking with the media last month, Brown called for players to have open and honest conversations with coaches before entering the transfer portal, and if they can’t find a common ground that keeps them with the program, then the Tar Heels coach will personally help any disgruntled player move on.

“The weirdest thing about modern day roster management, the portal opens. … You could have five guys come in Saturday right after the scrimmage and say they’re leaving,” started the North Carolina leader. “If you do, you’ve just got to try to help them go. It’s a — it’s a new time. We’re getting a lot of calls from people that are already in the portal. I’m sure our players are getting calls from people wanting them to go in the portal.

“I told them this morning that if you’re not happy here and you want to leave, we’ll help you. Talk to your coach, see why you’re not playing as much as you’d like to. If it doesn’t look like that’s going to improve short-term, we’ll help you. We’ll get you in the portal. But just be honest with us, and let’s not hide and be angry, and let’s just be honest. Have no surprises.”

That’s a pretty great idea from Brown. It goes a long way towards proving the point that he truly cares about his players if he’s willing to help them get set up for success not just while they’re with his program, but examining the best ways to move forward with their career elsewhere.

Perhaps now more players on North Carolina will feel comfortable being open and honest with their coaching staff, regardless of how difficult the conversation is. Let’s be honest, it can be an awkward situation if you’re looking to transfer, but maybe Brown’s policy will keep more Tar Heels in town.

Mack Brown has been around the block, and it’s more than evident all he wants is the best for his players and his team. His words will go a long way towards gaining the trust of his athletes moving forward.