RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — This season will be Mack Brown’s last as the University of North Carolina’s head football coach after the program’s most winningest head coach was fired.
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.
In a statement, Brown said, “While this was not the perfect time and way in which I imagines 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.”
This comes just days after Brown told those close to the program, including staff members, players and recruits, that he plans to remain in Chapel Hill beyond the 2024 season, CBS Sports and 247Sports reported.
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.
“Moving forward, my total focus is on helping these players and coaches prepare for Saturday’s game against N.C. State and give them the best chance to win. We want to send these seniors out right and I hope our fans will show up Saturday to do the same,” Brown said.
Brown was under contract through the 2027 season. His salary for the remaining three years will be paid by the Department of Athletics and not through state funds, UNC athletics said.
“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. “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.
UNC athletics reported that Cunningham and Chancellor Lee H. Roberts will begin the search for a new head coach.
During an appearance on SiriusXM College Sports Radio earlier this month, Brown was asked about the idea of retirement, to which he replied: “There’s going to be a day I wake up and say, somebody else needs to do be doing this, and I haven’t gotten to that yet.”