CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) — Following an ’embarrassing’ 70-50 loss against James Madison at Kenan Stadium Saturday afternoon, talk began circulating about North Carolina head football coach Mack Brown stepping down from his role.
That stemmed from reports that Brown, while addressing his team in the locker room after the game, asked UNC players how they felt about his leadership moving forward and whether he was the leader they needed.
During his weekly Monday press conference, Brown addressed that head-on.
“That’s something I shouldn’t do. I shouldn’t put that pressure on those young people at that point,” Brown said, repeatedly saying he was disappointed in himself. “I’m supposed to be a leader, and probably the worst things I’ve ever said in my life are after losses.”
Brown said the players rallied behind him Saturday, saying they told him they still believed in his leadership and were ready to “move forward” and look ahead to playing rival Duke next. The longtime coach said he “didn’t really think that much about it after we did it.”
But the comments had made their way out of the locker room, causing a mini firestorm over the future of the 73-year-old head coach. Those flames were doused Monday as Brown emphatically repeated that he loves his job and being at UNC.
“I’ll keep my mouth shut after losses from now on. I may not even come see you all, I may just keep my mouth shut,” Brown said with a smile before referencing his wife’s advice. “Sally told me that I need to keep my mouth shut, so I will.”
A few minutes later, Brown clarified that his postgame comments to his players were “misinterpreted,” leading to the questions about his future.
“Things used to stay in the locker room. The locker room was sacred,” said Brown. “It’s obviously not anymore.”
With a trip to Durham to face 4-0 Duke next up on the schedule, Brown said the Tar Heels had a good practice Sunday and are trying to address the problem areas while building on the positives.
“I love my job, I want to keep doing it, and I’m glad they want me to keep doing it too,” Brown said. “The only thing I want to do is play better.”