UNC Fires All-Time Wins Leader Mack Brown Despite Coach's Intention to Return

Nov 26, 2024, 03:41 PM

North Carolina has fired head football coach Mack Brown, the university announced on Tuesday, ending his second tenure with the Tar Heels after six seasons. Brown, 73, who is the all-time winningest coach in UNC history, had expressed his intention to return for the next season as recently as Monday, stating, "Yes," when asked if he planned to be back and adding that he had not considered retirement. Despite his comments, Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham informed Brown on Monday that he would not return as head coach following the current season. In a statement, Brown said, "While this was not the perfect time and way in which I imagined going out, no time will ever be the perfect time. I’ve spent 16 seasons at North Carolina and will always cherish the memories and relationships Sally and I have built while serving as head coach." The decision comes after an inconsistent season for North Carolina, currently at 6-5, following a significant three-touchdown loss to Boston College. Brown will coach the team's final regular-season game against NC State on Saturday, but no decision has been reached on whether he will lead the team in any potential bowl game. The firing initiates the first major coaching change in the Power Four conferences this cycle and opens the 30-day transfer portal for North Carolina players ahead of the official opening on December 9. Former players, including quarterback Drake Maye, reacted to the news, with Maye stating, "Coach Brown meant the world to me. He’s probably the main reason I went to North Carolina … I saw the news and I hate it for him."