Mack Brown’s time at North Carolina is officially coming to a close.
The University of North Carolina announced on Tuesday that it will part ways with Brown at the conclusion of the 2024 season. He is set to lead the team in Saturday’s regular-season finale against North Carolina State, with uncertainty remaining about his role in the upcoming bowl game.
“He and his wife Sally have made significant contributions to the Carolina community, raising funds for UNC Children’s Hospital and hosting popular events like the Ladies Day Clinic. Their leadership has been especially impactful during challenging times, including the recent loss of wide receiver Tylee Craft,” the university stated.
This decision may signal the end of Brown’s storied coaching career. At 73, he is best known for his successful tenure at Texas, where he guided the Longhorns to a national championship in 2005 and returned to the title game in 2009. Over 16 seasons in Austin, he amassed a record of 158-48, ranking as the school’s second-winningest coach upon his departure in 2013.
Brown’s impact at North Carolina has also been notable. During his first stint from 1988 to 1997, he achieved back-to-back 10-win seasons before moving to Texas. He returned to Chapel Hill for the 2019 season, successfully leading the Tar Heels to bowl eligibility in each of the six seasons since. His leadership culminated in a trip to the Orange Bowl in 2020 and a nine-win season in 2022.
Currently, Brown is experiencing one of the less successful seasons of his career. With a bowl-eligible record of 6-5, the team has faced several disappointing losses this year, raising questions about whether this would be his final season with the program.
As he prepares to conclude his second tenure at North Carolina, the university expressed gratitude for his role in revitalizing the program after a period of stagnation.
“Coach Brown has successfully brought the Carolina football program back into national discussions. We have made significant improvements to the program’s facilities, expanded the coaching staff, increased salaries, and enhanced nutrition and strength training programs,” Athletic Director Cunningham remarked. “He has also played a vital role in fundraising, strengthening the football endowment while supporting our other athletic programs.”
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Coach Brown for his commitment to Carolina and wish him, Sally, and their family all the best in their future endeavors.”
