On Tuesday, the college football coaching carousel witnessed a significant shake-up as the University of North Carolina made a bold decision to part ways with head coach Mack Brown. After six seasons in Chapel Hill, Brown’s tenure has come to an end, raising questions about the future of the program and the direction it will take moving forward.
Why did North Carolina fire Mack Brown?
Mack Brown, a beloved figure at UNC, previously coached the program from 1988 to 1997. However, his second stint was marked by inconsistency. While he did lead the Tar Heels to an ACC Championship game in 2022, the team has struggled to maintain that level of success. Despite having NFL first-round draft pick quarterback Drake Maye for two seasons, the Tar Heels failed to capitalize on this talent, culminating in a disappointing blowout loss in the conference title game.
Recruiting during Brown’s tenure showed promise, with average top-20 classes that were a notable improvement over his predecessor, Larry Fedora. Yet, these recruiting successes did not translate into significant achievements on the field. The Tar Heels never exceeded eight wins in a season since 2022, and their performance has been mediocre at best.
The 2024 season started with a glimmer of hope as UNC won its first three games. However, a string of four consecutive losses against James Madison, Duke, Pitt, and Georgia Tech quickly dampened spirits. The loss to James Madison was particularly alarming, with the Tar Heels surrendering a staggering 70 points at home, including a record-setting 53 points in the first half. Following this defeat, Brown reportedly told his players he would retire if they believed they could perform better without him.
Despite this moment of reflection, Brown continued to coach, but the losses piled up. Although the Tar Heels managed to win three games in a row against Virginia, Florida State, and Wake Forest to secure bowl eligibility, they ultimately fell short in their bowl game against Boston College, losing 41-21. This pattern of hovering around six, seven, and eight wins without posing a serious threat in the ACC became a consistent theme during Brown’s tenure.
Mack Brown’s record and legacy
Mack Brown’s overall record with the Tar Heels stands at 44-32 over six seasons. His first three seasons yielded records of 7-6, 8-4, and 6-7, while the last three seasons saw a slight uptick with records of 9-5, 8-5, and 6-5. However, UNC is currently on a three-game losing streak in bowl games, which adds to the disappointment surrounding the program.
Here’s a breakdown of Brown’s records during his time at UNC:
|
Season |
Record |
Bowl result |
|
2019 |
7-6 |
W in Military Bowl |
|
2020 |
8-4 |
L in Orange Bowl |
|
2021 |
6-7 |
L in Duke’s Mayo Bowl |
|
2022 |
9-5 |
L in Holiday Bowl |
|
2023 |
8-5 |
L in Duke’s Mayo Bowl |
|
2024 |
6-5 |
TBD |
Prior to his time at UNC, Brown made a name for himself at Texas, where he led the Longhorns to a BCS national championship in 2004. His overall record at Texas was an impressive 158-48. His coaching journey began at Tulane, where he posted an 11-23 record from 1985 to 1987.
Mack Brown’s contract situation
In February 2023, Mack Brown signed a contract extension that was set to run through January 2028. However, following the recent developments, the financial implications of his departure have come into focus. Reports indicate that Brown will be owed approximately $2.8 million as part of his buyout. Discussions between Brown and the UNC administration about his future had been ongoing, but a resolution could not be reached, as he expressed a desire to continue coaching.
Looking ahead: What’s next for UNC?
With the firing of Mack Brown, the University of North Carolina is now at a crossroads. The Tar Heels are entering a new era, especially with the expansion of the ACC, which now includes teams like SMU and Cal. The need for a coach who can consistently compete in this evolving landscape has never been more urgent.
As the search for a new head coach begins, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. Who will be the next leader to guide the Tar Heels back to prominence? The stakes are high, and the future of UNC football hangs in the balance.
How old is Mack Brown?
At 73 years old, Mack Brown is one of the few active FBS head coaches with a national championship under his belt. While his legacy is firmly established, the question remains: Is this truly the end of the road for a coaching career that has seen its share of triumphs and challenges? Only time will tell.
