On Monday, North Carolina coach Mack Brown said he intended to return and coach the Tar Heels next season.
On Tuesday, the university announced it had other intentions.
Brown, who was in his second stint at North Carolina and won a national championship as the longtime head coach of the University of Texas, was told on Tuesday morning by UNC Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham that he wouldn’t be returning.
Brown, 73 years old, will go ahead and coach the Tar Heels (6-5) in their season finale against North Carolina State this Saturday. As for if Brown will coach a potential bowl game, that either hasn’t been decided or hasn’t been announced.
The university, led by Cunningham, will begin its search immediately. Brown had three years remaining on his deal.
Things went sideways for the Tar Heels immediately this season, when they were overwhelmed by Tennessee, 51-10.
They bounced back for a 30-20 win over Louisiana Tech the following week, but on Sept. 21, another game of giving up 50-plus points in a 59-35 loss at Clemson.
The ‘Heels have lost back-to-back games twice this season: two home dates against Wake Forest and Syracuse, both in close games, and then to Duke at home on Nov. 9 and at Georgia Tech – by one point – on Nov. 21.
A statement with comments from Brown was released.
“While this was not the perfect time and way in which I imagined going out, no time will ever be the perfect time,” Brown said. “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. 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. 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.”
In the same statement was this from Cunningham:
“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. 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.
“… Coach Brown has led the Carolina football program back into the national conversation as we improved the program’s facilities, significantly increased the size of the staff, invested in salaries and bolstered our nutrition and strength and conditioning programs. He also has been a dedicated fundraiser, strengthening the football endowment while also supporting our other sports programs. We thank Coach Brown for his dedication to Carolina, and wish him, Sally and their family all the best.”
