UNC fires head coach Mack Brown

Just one day after Mack Brown stated his intention to return to North Carolina for the 2025 season, the Tar Heels have fired their head coach, On3’s Pete Nakos confirmed.

“This season will be Mack Brown’s last as the University of North Carolina’s head football coach,” a press release from the University of North Carolina read, following multiple reports. “Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham on Monday informed Brown, who coached UNC from 1988-97 and then returned to Chapel Hill in Nov., 2018, that he will not return as head coach.

“Brown will coach the team Saturday in its season finale against NC State at Kenan Stadium; a decision has not been reached on whether Brown will coach in a Bowl game.”

There certainly was never a guarantee that the Tar Heels would want to run it back with the legendary coach. They’re currently 6-5 entering Saturday’s regular season finale against the Wolfpack, and Brown is 73 years old, turning 74 next August.

The surprise comes after Brown addressed his future in Chapel Hill during a weekly press conference on Monday, and was asked directly if he intends to be back in 2025, to which he bluntly responded with a resounding yes. However, Brown did acknowledged that he hadn’t spoken with the aforementioned Cunningham yet his future.

North Carolina suffered a 41-21 loss to Boston College this past weekend, which ended a three-game winning streak for the Tar Heels. Brown also spoke Monday about why he continues to coach, and what factors into his decision to want to be back on the sidelines.

“When you’re 73 you’re asked every day. I mean recruits have asked every day, every year, ‘How long are you going to do this?’ And I’ve said I’ll do it as long as I’m happy, as long as I’m healthy and as long as I’m effective,” Brown stated. “I’m not going to think about retiring. I’m not going to talk about retiring. I haven’t changed that for six years. 

“I learned that from Texas. And there will be a morning when I’ll get up and I’ll say, ‘You know what, somebody else should be leading this team. They’re better than I am at this at this point.’ And then I’ll go do something else. But I’ve got way too much to do to be worried about next week. I’m trying to beat NC State.”

Alas, whether Mack Brown calls it a career now remains to be seen. Time will tell if this is the end of his coaching career, or if the soon-to-be-former North Carolina leader finds a new home in 2025.

Statement from North Carolina AD Bubba Cunningham on Mack Brown firing:

Continuing, North Carolina released a statement following Bubba Cunningham informing Mack Brown of his firing on Monday, and the news coming to light on Tuesday.

“Mack Brown has won more games than any football coach in UNC history, and we deeply appreciate all that he has done for Carolina Football and our University,” Cunningham said, via a press release. “Over the last six seasons – his second campaign in Chapel Hill — he has coached our team to six bowl berths, including an Orange Bowl, while mentoring 18 NFL draft picks. He and his wife Sally have done an outstanding job supporting the Carolina community, including raising funds for UNC Children’s Hospital while hosting other popular events such as the Ladies Day Clinic. Both also have been terrific in leading our program during some incredibly tough stretches, including the tragic passing of wide receiver Tylee Craft this season.

“Coach Brown has led the Carolina Football program back into the national conversation as we improved the program’s facilities, significantly increased the size of the staff, invested in salaries and bolstered our nutrition and strength and conditioning programs. He also has been a dedicated fundraiser, strengthening the Football endowment while also supporting our other sports programs.

“We thank Coach Brown for his dedication to Carolina, and wish him, Sally and their family all the best.”