Mack Brown is out as North Carolina head football coach

North Carolina AD Bubba Cunningham announced on Tuesday that Mack Brown will not return as head football coach next season. The 73-year-old coach is in his sixth year of his second tenure with the Tar Heels (16th overall).

“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.

“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.”

The Tar Heels are 6-5 (3-4) and close out the season at home against rival NC State. Brown will coach in that game.