Mack Brown: In a stunning turn of events, the University of North Carolina has announced that head football coach Mack Brown will not return next season. This decision came just one day after Brown expressed his intentions to continue leading the Tar Heels.
Coach Mack Brown Response: A Grateful Farewell
“On Tuesday:
athletic director Bubba Cunningham informed Brown of the decision to part ways. The 73-year-old coach will still be at the helm for North Carolina’s regular-season finale this Saturday against in-state rivals, NC State. However, there’s still uncertainty about whether Brown will coach the team in a potential bowl game.”
“In a statement:
Coach Brown, who has been a staple at North Carolina for the past 16 years, expressed gratitude and love for his time at the university. Brown reflected on the memorable moments and relationships he and his wife Sally have built during his tenure. He added, ‘While this was not the perfect time and way in which I imagined going out, no time will ever be the perfect time.'”
“Brown continued:
‘We’ve had the chance to coach and mentor some great young men, and we’ll miss having the opportunity to do that in the future.’ His focus, for now, remains on preparing his players and coaching staff for the final regular-season game of the year against NC State, ensuring that the senior players get the proper send-off they deserve.”
“Mack Brown’s journey at North Carolina has been nothing short of impressive. In two separate stints as the Tar Heels’ head coach, he has accumulated a record of 113 wins, 78 losses, and 1 tie. Returning to Chapel Hill in 2019, Brown revitalized the program and guided the team to an appearance in the 2022 ACC Championship Game, showing that the Tar Heels could once again compete at the highest levels of college football.”
“During his second stint, Brown led the team to six bowl game appearances, including a prestigious trip to the Orange Bowl. Under his leadership, 18 Tar Heels players were selected in the NFL Draft, highlighting Brown’s ability to develop talent and prepare his players for the next level.”
“Athletic director Bubba Cunningham praised Coach Brown for his unparalleled success, saying, ‘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 also highlighted the tangible improvements in facilities, staffing, nutrition, and strength and conditioning programs under Brown’s leadership.”
“Beyond the football field:
Coach Brown played a pivotal role in the growth of the entire Carolina athletic program, raising funds to bolster the football endowment and supporting other sports programs at the university.”
“As the university moves forward, Cunningham and Chancellor Lee H. Roberts will now begin the search for a new head coach. Brown, who still has three years remaining on his contract, will be compensated by the Department of Athletics, with no state funds involved.”
“Though the ending may not have been what many expected, there’s no doubt that Mack Brown’s legacy at North Carolina is firmly cemented in the history books. His leadership has helped restore the Tar Heels to national prominence, and his influence will be felt for years to come.”
“Coach Brown’s time at North Carolina may be coming to an end, but his impact on the program is undeniable. As the university begins a new chapter, we wish him, his wife Sally, and their family all the best.”
