Former UNC coach shares forecast regarding Drake Maye’s future success

Drake Maye Prepares for Super Bowl Debut

Mack Brown is well-aware of what Drake Maye can accomplish on the field. Having coached Maye at the University of North Carolina, Brown witnessed the quarterback’s journey before the New England Patriots picked him in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

As Maye gears up for his first Super Bowl next week, it’s been quite a ride. Reaching this pinnacle in just his second NFL season, Brown has always had faith that Maye would excel at this level. “I told the scouts, when he arrives, he’s a Super Bowl player, destined to win a Super Bowl,” Brown stated, adding that he never anticipated Maye would become the second-youngest player in history to play in the Super Bowl.

Maye wrapped up his tenure as the starting quarterback for the Tar Heels with a remarkable 62 touchdowns and over 8,000 passing yards during his three years in North Carolina.

Although Maye missed practice recently due to injury and illness just nine days ahead of the big game, Brown holds high hopes. Having spent 16 seasons coaching at Texas prior to returning to UNC, he’s guided a number of successful quarterbacks, like Vince Young and Colt McCoy. Brown believes Maye has the potential to become one of the greatest players in NFL history.

“I think Drake has tremendous potential. I really hope he wins this game, but if not, I believe there will be more Super Bowls in his future,” he remarked. “Drake is not just one of the best players I’ve had the pleasure to coach—he’s also poised to be among the best I’ve ever played with.”

While leading UNC, Maye contributed to a 17-10 record, highlighted by an ACC Championship Game appearance in 2022, a significant achievement under Brown. In his first season, under coach Mike Vrabel, he led the league with the highest completion percentage and was named an MVP finalist.

In the wake of his departure from UNC, Brown expressed, “This wasn’t the ideal way I envisioned leaving, but there’s never a perfect moment.” He reflected on the 16 years spent at the university, cherishing the memories and relationships forged during his tenure. Meanwhile, North Carolina State subsequently hired former NFL coach Bill Belichick.